Fresh off a huge comeback win at Everton, Sunderland return to the Stadium of Light on Sunday to face Chelsea, knowing European football could still be within reach.
Régis Le Bris’ side have already exceeded expectations in their first season back in the Premier League, but a final-day showdown against Chelsea offers them the chance to cap off a remarkable campaign in style.
The Black Cats need all three points, whilst hoping for either Brentford or Brighton to drop points in their respective matchups to stand a chance at qualifying for either the Europa League or Europa Conference League.
Chelsea arrive in the North East after ending a poor run of league form with a much-needed victory over Tottenham in midweek, keeping alive their own hopes of sneaking into the European places.
Despite their attacking quality, the Blues have struggled for consistency away from home this season, while Sunderland have already proven they can hurt Chelsea after stunning Stamford Bridge with a dramatic 2-1 win earlier in the campaign.
New Blues boss Xabi Alonso’s contract doesn’t take effect until July 1st, so that means Callum McFarlane will remain in interim charge for this fixture.
What are the best picks for Sunderland vs Chelsea?
Sunderland to win
Sunderland head into Sunday knowing it’s simple: win or wave goodbye to any realistic hopes of European football next season.
The Stadium of Light is expected to be absolutely bouncing for this one, and the atmosphere could feel more like a cup final than a regular league match.
The Black Cats have thrived in these high-energy home games all season, playing with the sort of intensity that drags the crowd into every tackle, sprint, and counterattack.
Chelsea have the bigger names on paper, but Sunderland have looked like the more connected team for long stretches of the run-in.
And while Chelsea’s away form has occasionally resembled a group project where nobody actually did their part, Sunderland have made a habit of rising to the occasion against top sides.
They have already taken points from Arsenal, Man City and Man United at home this season and are looking for another scalp here.
With European hopes on the line and the fans already bang up for it before a ball’s even been kicked, backing Sunderland to get the job done feels like the play.
Enzo Le Fee to score or assist
If Sunderland are the band, Enzo Le Fée is very much the lead guitarist right now.
Everything dangerous seems to go through the Frenchman; whether he’s putting it on a plate for a teammate or popping up with a goal himself, he’s always the bright spark in a Sunderland side that at times has struggled going forward.
Le Fée is in fantastic form at the moment, and Chelsea’s midfield hasn’t exactly specialised in shutting down creative players away from home.
Give him a little space around the edge of the box, and Sunderland fans will start leaning forward in their seats immediately.
A goal or assist for Le Fée feels like one of those bets where you spend most of the game saying, “Yep… this was probably the right idea.”
Where can I watch Sunderland vs Chelsea?
In the USA, Sunderland vs Chelsea is expected to stream live on Peacock. Kickoff is at 11:00 AM EST.
In the UK, Sunderland vs Chelsea is currently listed to be shown live on Sky Sports, although the exact Sky channel hasn’t been confirmed yet. Kick-off is scheduled for 16:00.
What have the managers said?
Regis Le Bris:
“We have one more job to do. We will have to be at our best, Chelsea are really strong – a top four Premier League team.”
Callum McFarlane:
“We want to be aggressive and attack the game. These players have shown that if they’re at their best, they can beat anyone.”
What is Sunderland’s predicted team?
Roefs – Geertruida, Mukiele, O’nien, Reinildo – Xhaka, Sadiki, Hume, Le Fee, Angulo – Brobbey.
Doubts: Alderete.
Suspended: Ballard.
Injured: Traore, Mundle.
What is Chelsea’s predicted team?
Sanchez – James, Fofana, Hato, Cucurella – Caicedo, Santos, Neto, Palmer, Fernandez – Delap.
Doubts: Pedro
Injured: Estevao, Gittens.
