Sunderland vs Chelsea – Free football prediction and previews – Premier League – May 24, 2026

Sunderland – Chelsea : the European dream

The Stadium of Light hosts a season-defining clash this Sunday afternoon. The home side are chasing a historic place in Europe after a 50-year wait. Chelsea arrive with a slight points edge in the table. This one should go down to the wire on the final day of the season.

Sunderland’s ambition

Regis Le Bris has blown away all the gloomy talk from last summer. The newly promoted side sit proudly in the top half. A win over Chelsea could send the club into the Europa League or the Conference League. The perfect outcome also depends on results elsewhere for Brighton and Brentford. The Black Cats are just one point behind Chelsea going into this huge game. Finishing above old rivals Newcastle would already be a major boost on Wearside. Recent history, though, does not do the hosts any favours. Their last league double over Chelsea came in the 2000-01 season. This weekend offers a chance to end that miserable run at last.

Chelsea’s uncertainty Chelsea

Calum McFarlane is in charge on an interim basis until the end of the season. The recent win over Tottenham ended a long drought for Chelsea. But a Conference League spot has hardly set pulses racing. They already won that competition last season. Supporters would much rather nick seventh place from Brighton and grab a Europa League berth. The big question is whether this London side really have much left in the tank. Their form away from home has been flat and it leaves them exposed here. Their last away win outside the capital came in March at Aston Villa. They will need a very different showing to get anything from this trip.

Probable line-ups

Sunderland : Roefs ; Geertruida, Mukiele, O’Nien, Mandava ; Xhaka, Sadiki ; Hume, Le Fee, Angulo ; Brobbey

Chelsea : Sanchez ; James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella ; Caicedo, Santos ; Neto, Palmer, Fernandez ; Joao Pedro

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Football prediction Sunderland vs Chelsea

Sunderland or draw

Their superb home form will lift Sunderland as they chase Europe. Chelsea’s lack of real pressure could well show in the battles all over the pitch.

The noise inside the Stadium of Light should drive the home side on to a positive result. The scoreboard will reward a fine season from the promoted side at the final whistle.

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