Chelsea have won their last eight top-flight games at Sunderland, and there will be no room for sentiment when they come up against former Stamford Bridge favourite Gus Poyet's struggling side this time around.
The London club moved up to second place in the Premier League with a 3-1 victory over Southampton on Sunday, and manager Mourinho believes they are showing signs that a title challenge is possible.
Cahill's goal was his first in 2013, while captain Terry marked his 400th Premier League appearance for the club with his second goal of the season.
Mourinho's charges face three of the bottom five in their next three games, but the former Real Madrid coach will not be taking them lightly.
He said: "We now have two matches away (Sunderland and Stoke City) and then Crystal Palace at home, we are playing three teams who need points because of the position they are in, so we will have three very difficult matches."
David Luiz (knee) may not be ready to return, while Samuel Eto'o (muscle strain) is set to miss out once again and Marco van Ginkel (knee) is a long-term absentee.
Poyet, a cult figure at Chelsea during his playing days, has brought an air of optimism since he was appointed as Paolo Di Canio's successor in October.
Skipper John O'Shea (groin) and goalkeeper Keiren Westwood (shoulder) are injury doubts, while defender Carlos Cuellar (hip) is definitely out.
