Sunderland vs Chelsea FC, English Premier League 2025-26, Today Match Prediction

Sunderland vs Chelsea FC Match Prediction & Analysis

After ending Everton’s European hopes last weekend, Sunderland now have another opportunity to play spoiler when they host Chelsea on Sunday (8:30 PM IST). A victory for the Black Cats could significantly boost their own chances of securing European football next season. 

Chelsea, meanwhile, will be determined to halt Sunderland’s momentum and arrive with confidence after a hard-earned victory in their previous outing, setting the stage for an intriguing final-day battle.

Current Standings: Chelsea are in eighth position with 52 points, while Sunderland sit two places below the Blues with 51 points.

Head-to-Head Record: Chelsea have dominated this rivalry, boasting a commanding 23-8 win record in 33 encounters. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Sunderland Preview

Sunderland have the chance to script history on Sunday as they chase a place in European competition for the first time since the 1974 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup. For a side only recently back in the Premier League, that would represent a remarkable achievement. To keep that dream alive, the Black Cats likely need a victory over Chelsea while also hoping results elsewhere, including Brentford’s clash with Liverpool, go in their favour.

Momentum is on their side too after a crucial 3-1 comeback win over Everton last weekend, a result that revived their European hopes and ended a four-match winless run. Enzo Le Fée starred with a goal and an assist, while Brian Brobbey and Wilson Isidor also got on the scoresheet in an impressive second-half display.

Stats that matter 

1. Sunderland have a win percentage of just six while playing the final league game of season (D3 L12).
2. The Black Cats have recovered a league high of 22 points from losing positions this season.
3. No Sunderland player has more Premier League assists than Granit Xhaka this season (6), while only in 2017-18 and 2022-23 (both 7) has he provided more. 

Team News 

Dan Ballard will continue serving his suspension, while Omar Alderete faces a late fitness assessment after being forced off just 23 minutes into last weekend’s victory. Other than that, there are no fresh injury concerns apart from the club’s long-term absentees.

Sunderland Probable XI - Roefs (GK); Geertruida, Mukiele, O’Nien, Mandava, Xhaka, Sadiki, Hume, Le Fee, Angulo, Brobbey.  

Chelsea FC Preview

Chelsea responded well to the disappointment of their FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City by bouncing back with a vital 2-1 victory over Tottenham in Matchday 37. With European qualification hopes on the line, Enzo Fernández delivered a standout display, contributing a goal and an assist to help end the Blues’ seven-game winless run in the league. 

The win also lifted Chelsea from 10th to 8th, leaving them just a point behind seventh-placed Brighton.

With European football still within reach, the equation is simple: a victory secures at least a place in either the Europa League or Conference League race, while defeat could end those hopes. With interim boss Callum McFarlane looking to finish on a high, Chelsea are expected to approach the final day with all guns blazing. 

Stats that matter 

1. The Blues have conceded in each of their last 15 Premier League fixtures.
2. Chelsea have lost their final league match in just two of the last 14 seasons (W9 D3).
3. Joao Pedro has been involved in seven goals in his last nine Premier League appearances (6G+1A) and has scored in his last two matches against newly promoted sides. 

Team News 

Chelsea head into the final game without any fresh injury concerns, with Levi Colwill, Romeo Lavia and Reece James all expected to return to the squad on Sunday. Joao Pedro, however, remains a doubt after missing the recent derby through a knock.

Chelsea Probable XI - Sanchez (GK); James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella, Caicedo, Santos, Neto, Palmer, Fernandez, Joao Pedro 

SUNDERLAND vs CHELSEA FC
Winning Prediction

Sunderland came out on top with a 2-1 win in the reverse fixture, but history is not entirely on their side, as they have not completed a league double over Chelsea since the 2000/01 season. The Blues have also enjoyed this fixture away from home, losing just once in their last 13 Premier League visits to Sunderland.

While Chelsea’s recent away form has been inconsistent, Sunderland have also struggled at home of late, losing three of their last five matches. With both sides chasing victory and plenty on the line, this has the ingredients of an open contest, but just because Sunderland have more incentive to go for a win and are playing at home  we back them to come out on top.  

Sunderland to Win (2-1)

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