Sunderland will look to complete one of the Premier League’s biggest surprises this season when they host Chelsea at the Stadium of Light on Sunday, knowing a victory could still secure European football for the first time in over five decades.
After earning promotion back to the top flight last summer, many expected the Black Cats to struggle, but Régis Le Bris has guided his side into the top half heading into the final round of the campaign. Sunderland remain in contention for either a Europa League or Conference League berth, although they will require favourable results elsewhere alongside a win over Chelsea.
The Wearside club currently sit just one point behind the Blues, who occupy eighth place and are also chasing a possible European qualification spot. Sunderland boosted their hopes with a strong 3-1 victory over Everton last weekend, where Enzo Le Fee delivered another standout performance with a goal and an assist.
Chelsea, meanwhile, ended a difficult seven-match wait for a Premier League victory with a 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur in midweek. However, Callum McFarlane’s side have struggled badly away from home in recent months and have not won on the road since March’s impressive 4-1 triumph against Aston Villa.
The London club could still climb as high as seventh depending on other results, but there remains uncertainty around whether participation in the UEFA Conference League is viewed as a priority following their success in the competition during the 2024-25 campaign.
Chelsea has gone ahead to post a promotional graphic on their X handle in high anticipation for their 2025/26 Premier League final day fixture, an away match against Sunderland.
With both clubs still chasing European football and Sunderland aiming to cap off a remarkable return to the Premier League, Sunday’s clash promises to be fiercely competitive at the Stadium of Light.
Team News
Sunderland will assess Omar Alderete after the defender was forced off early during last weekend’s win at Everton. Dan Ballard remains suspended, while Romaine Mundle, Bertrand Traore and Simon Moore are all expected to miss out through injury.
Enzo Le Fee has been one of Sunderland’s standout performers in recent weeks, contributing a goal and assist in the victory over Everton to continue his impressive campaign.
Chelsea could welcome Reece James back into the starting lineup after missing the win against Tottenham, while Trevoh Chalobah and Levi Colwill are also pushing for returns in defence.
Joao Pedro remains a doubt after missing the Spurs clash through injury, while Romeo Lavia faces a late fitness test. Mykhaylo Mudryk remains suspended, and Estevao Willian, Jesse Derry and Jamie Gittens are unavailable.
Possible Lineups
Sunderland possible starting lineup:
Roefs; Geertruida, Mukiele, O’Nien, Mandava; Xhaka, Sadiki; Hume, Le Fee, Angulo; Brobbey
Chelsea possible starting lineup:
Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Santos; Neto, Palmer, Fernandez; Joao Pedro
How to Watch
| Platform | Details |
|---|---|
| TV Broadcast | SuperSport |
| Live Stream | DSTV Stream |
| Kick-off Time | 16:00 (WAT) |
Match Prediction
Softfootball predicts Sunderland 1-2 Chelsea.
Sunderland’s momentum and home support could make life difficult for Chelsea, especially with the Blues continuing to struggle away from Stamford Bridge. However, Chelsea’s quality in attack may still prove decisive in an entertaining encounter.
