Sunderland will look to finish one of many Premier League’s largest surprises this season once they host Chelsea on the Stadium of Mild on Sunday, figuring out a victory might nonetheless safe European soccer for the primary time in over 5 a long time.
After incomes promotion again to the highest flight final summer time, many anticipated the Black Cats to battle, however Régis Le Bris has guided his aspect into the highest half heading into the ultimate spherical of the marketing campaign. Sunderland stay in competition for both a Europa League or Convention League berth, though they may require beneficial outcomes elsewhere alongside a win over Chelsea.
The Wearside membership presently sit only one level behind the Blues, who occupy eighth place and are additionally chasing a doable European qualification spot. Sunderland boosted their hopes with a robust 3-1 victory over Everton final weekend, the place Enzo Le Payment delivered one other standout efficiency with a objective and an help.
Chelsea, in the meantime, ended a tough seven-match watch for a Premier League victory with a 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur in midweek. Nevertheless, Callum McFarlane’s aspect have struggled badly away from house in current months and haven’t received on the street since March’s spectacular 4-1 triumph in opposition to Aston Villa.
The London membership might nonetheless climb as excessive as seventh relying on different outcomes, however there stays uncertainty round whether or not participation within the UEFA Convention League is seen as a precedence following their success within the competitors throughout the 2024-25 marketing campaign.
Chelsea has gone forward to submit a promotional graphic on their X deal with in excessive anticipation for his or her 2025/26 Premier League closing day fixture, an away match in opposition to Sunderland.
With each golf equipment nonetheless chasing European soccer and Sunderland aiming to cap off a outstanding return to the Premier League, Sunday’s conflict guarantees to be fiercely aggressive on the Stadium of Mild.
Crew Information
Sunderland will assess Omar Alderete after the defender was pressured off early throughout final weekend’s win at Everton. Dan Ballard stays suspended, whereas Romaine Mundle, Bertrand Traore and Simon Moore are all anticipated to overlook out by way of damage.
Enzo Le Payment has been one in every of Sunderland’s standout performers in current weeks, contributing a objective and help within the victory over Everton to proceed his spectacular marketing campaign.
Chelsea might welcome Reece James again into the beginning lineup after lacking the win in opposition to Tottenham, whereas Trevoh Chalobah and Levi Colwill are additionally pushing for returns in defence.
Joao Pedro stays a doubt after lacking the Spurs conflict by way of damage, whereas Romeo Lavia faces a late health check. Mykhaylo Mudryk stays suspended, and Estevao Willian, Jesse Derry and Jamie Gittens are unavailable.
Potential Lineups
Sunderland doable beginning lineup:
Roefs; Geertruida, Mukiele, O’Nien, Mandava; Xhaka, Sadiki; Hume, Le Payment, Angulo; Brobbey
Chelsea doable beginning lineup:
Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Santos; Neto, Palmer, Fernandez; Joao Pedro
Find out how to Watch
| Platform | Particulars |
|---|---|
| TV Broadcast | SuperSport |
| Dwell Stream | DSTV Stream |
| Kick-off Time | 16:00 (WAT) |
Match Prediction
Softfootball predicts Sunderland 1-2 Chelsea.
Sunderland’s momentum and residential help might make life tough for Chelsea, particularly with the Blues persevering with to battle away from Stamford Bridge. Nevertheless, Chelsea’s high quality in assault should show decisive in an entertaining encounter.
