After a turbulent season marked by ups and downs, Sunderland and Chelsea face off in the final Premier League match of the 2025-2026 season on Sunday at 5:00 PM local time. The game at the Stadium of Light could have major implications for European qualification, with both clubs still harboring hopes of continental competition.
Match preview: Sunderland and Chelsea’s contrasting seasons
Sunderland, making its return to the top flight after years in the lower divisions, has exceeded expectations under Régis Le Bris. The club has invested heavily in the squad, bringing in talents like Granit Xhaka, Enzo Le Fée, and Brian Brobbey to reinforce its ambitions. Despite a mid-season slump, a recent 3-1 victory at Everton has revived their European hopes. Currently in 10th place, just one point behind 8th, a win could secure the club’s highest league finish since 2010-11.
Chelsea, meanwhile, has seen its initial ambitions crumble. After a promising start under Enzo Maresca, including a triumph in the 2025 Club World Cup, the team has suffered a dramatic collapse, losing seven consecutive league games at one stage. The departure of Enzo Maresca and the subsequent interim appointment of Calum McFarlane have done little to stabilize the side. Currently 8th, Chelsea is perilously close to missing out on European football entirely.
Sunderland’s lineup and key absences
Injuries and suspensions have forced changes to the expected starting XI. Simon Moore remains unavailable, while Daniel Ballard serves a suspension. Romaine Mundle and Bertrand Traoré are also doubtful. The attack is led by Brian Brobbey, fresh off a brace at Everton, alongside Enzo Le Fée and the influential Granit Xhaka in midfield.
Sunderland’s probable lineup:
- Robin Roefs – Lutsharel Geertruida, Nordi Mukiele, Luke O’Nien, Reinildo Mandava
- Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki – Trai Hume, Enzo Le Fée, Nilson Angulo
- Brian Brobbey
Head coach: Régis Le Bris
Chelsea’s lineup and tactical outlook
Chelsea enters the match with a depleted squad. Key players like Estêvão Willian, Jamie Gittens, and Mykhaïlo Mudryk are injured or suspended, while Malo Gusto, Roméo Lavia, and João Pedro are uncertain. The attack will likely feature Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernández, and Pedro Neto, though the latter was controversially overlooked for England’s 2026 World Cup squad despite a strong season.
Chelsea’s probable lineup:
- Robert Sánchez – Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, Levi Colwill, Marc Cucurella
- Moisés Caicedo, Andrey Santos – Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernández
- João Pedro
Head coach: Calum McFarlane
The match will be officiated by Chris Kavanagh, with VAR in operation. A Chelsea victory would secure a top-seven finish, while a Sunderland win could spark a historic European qualification for the northern club.
Where to watch Sunderland vs Chelsea live
French viewers can catch the action live on CANAL+ Live 6 starting at 5:00 PM, with streaming available via the CANAL+ digital platform.
Historical rivalry: Sunderland vs Chelsea
The two clubs have met 126 times across all competitions, with Chelsea holding a dominant record of 61 wins to Sunderland’s 43. However, most of these encounters date back to the early 2000s, when Chelsea was rising to prominence following Roman Abramovich’s takeover. Sunderland, meanwhile, struggled through a period of decline, suffering multiple relegations. Their last meeting in October ended in a 2-1 Chelsea victory, but Sunderland’s recent resurgence suggests a more competitive dynamic this time around.
Players who have worn both jerseys
Over the years, more than 30 players have represented both Sunderland and Chelsea. Many, like Marcos Alonso, made the transition from struggling to thriving, with Alonso winning the Premier League and Champions League with Chelsea after a loan spell at Sunderland. Others, such as Bertrand Traoré, have taken the opposite journey, moving from Chelsea to Sunderland in search of regular playing time. The careers of these players illustrate the contrasting fortunes of the two clubs over the decades.
The stakes couldn’t be higher for both sides as they prepare for a decisive finale. For Sunderland, a win could mark one of the most remarkable turnarounds in recent Premier League history, while Chelsea faces the prospect of another season without the European football it once took for granted.
