# Sunderland vs Chelsea Match Preview, Prediction, Timings, Lineups, Teams, and How to Watch — Sunderland’s 53-Year European Dream Meets Chelsea’s Conference League Dilemma!

URL: https://technosports.co.in/sunderland-vs-chelsea-match-preview/  
Published: 2026-05-24  
Updated: 2026-05-24  
Author: Reetam Bodhak

It’s the last day of the **2025-26 Premier League season** — and at the Stadium of Light, football fairy tales are waiting to be written. **Sunderland**, in their first top-flight season back, can qualify for European competition for the **first time in 53 years**. Standing in their way? **Chelsea** — a side with arguably more motivation to *lose* than win. This is Premier League final day drama at its absolute finest.

## Sunderland vs Chelsea Match Info

| Detail | Info |
| --- | --- |
| **Match** | Sunderland vs Chelsea |
| **Competition** | Premier League 2025-26 — Gameweek 38 |
| **Date & Time** | Sunday, May 24, 2026 — 4:00 PM BST |
| **Venue** | Stadium of Light, Sunderland |
| **Sunderland Position** | 9th (could finish 7th with win + results) |
| **Chelsea Position** | 8th (Conference League playoff spot) |
| **Broadcast** | Sky Sports, NBC Sports (USA), Star Sports (India)   |

![Sunderland vs Chelsea](https://technosports.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/chslslsl-1024x664.webp)

## The Storyline Nobody Saw Coming

Few gave Sunderland a chance after promotion. Yet here they are — **above Newcastle United**, in the top half, and on the verge of European football. Win today and hope Brighton lose and Liverpool beat Brentford, and the Black Cats could reach a **Europa League** berth (7th place). Even a Conference League spot (8th) is in play. The entire Wearside fanbase is dreaming.

Chelsea’s situation is fascinatingly awkward. Currently 8th, they’ve **already won the Conference League** last season and would rather avoid another campaign in Europe’s third tier. A defeat here actually *helps* them if they drop to 9th. Interim boss Callum McFarlane’s players must dig deep to find genuine motivation — and that’s a massive psychological edge for Sunderland.

Adding spice: Sunderland haven’t beaten Chelsea twice in a single season since **2000-01**. Sunday is their chance to end that 25-year wait.

## Recent Form Guide

| Team | Premier League Recent Form |
| --- | --- |
| **Sunderland** | W L L D D W |
| **Chelsea** | L L L L D W |

Chelsea have not won away from home since a 4-1 victory at Aston Villa in early March — a run of **eight away games without a win** that tells its own story heading into the Stadium of Light.

## Team News & Probable Lineups

**Sunderland** are without Romaine Mundle (thigh), Bertrand Traore (knee), Simon Moore (wrist) and Dan Ballard (suspension). Omar Alderete is doubtful. Granit Xhaka and Enzo Le Fee — both in fine form — are expected to start and will be pivotal.

**Chelsea** miss Estevao Willian (thigh), Jamie Gittens (thigh), Jesse Derry (head) and the suspended Mykhaylo Mudryk. Reece James could return after missing the Spurs win; Joao Pedro is doubtful. Enzo Fernandez — Chelsea’s most decisive player with 14 combined goal contributions — is expected to lead their attack.

**Sunderland XI (probable):** Roefs; Geertruida, Mukiele, O’Nien, Mandava; Xhaka, Sadiki; Hume, Le Fee, Angulo; Brobbey

**Chelsea XI (probable):** Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Santos; Neto, Palmer, Fernandez; Joao Pedro

## Prediction: Sunderland 2-1 Chelsea

Sunderland have every reason to pour their hearts into this match — 53 years of European absence, a passionate home crowd, and a real mathematical chance. Chelsea’s questionable motivation away from home, combined with their woeful recent away record, makes the Stadium of Light a dangerous place to visit. The Black Cats take all three points and dare to dream.

The [Premier League’s official website](https://www.premierleague.com/premier-league-explained) confirms all Gameweek 38 matches kick off simultaneously at 4:00 PM BST — ensuring maximum drama as results unfold across grounds at the same time.

For more Premier League previews and final-day analysis, visit [TechnoSports](https://technosports.co.in).

## How to Watch Sunderland vs Chelsea

| Country | Broadcast |
| --- | --- |
| **UK** | Sky Sports Main Event / Premier League |
| **USA** | NBC Sports / Peacock |
| **India** | Star Sports / Disney+ Hotstar |
| **Canada** | DAZN Canada |

Full streaming guides and match coverage are available at [TechnoSports](https://technosports.co.in).

## FAQs

### **Q: What time does Sunderland vs Chelsea kick off on May 24, 2026?**

 A: The match kicks off at **4:00 PM BST** on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland — simultaneously with all other Gameweek 38 Premier League fixtures.

### **Q: Can Sunderland qualify for European football in 2026-27?**

  
A: Yes — if Sunderland beat Chelsea and results elsewhere go their way (Brighton lose, Liverpool beat Brentford), they could finish as high as **7th and qualify for the Europa League** — their first European football in 53 years.