It’s fifth versus (a surprising) seventh as we start the day, with both teams on 14 points from the first eight games and looking to go second at least temporarily with a win here today. Chelsea have won four in a row, Sunderland have lost just one of their last six. It’s the second best defense against the second best offense. There can only be one winner!
Enzo Maresca has gone with the strongest lineup available, which is the same as the people’s choice except for Garnacho getting the nod ahead of Estêvão.
**Chelsea starting lineup (4-2-3-1):**
Sánchez | Cucurella, Chalobah, Acheampong, James (c) | Enzo, Caicedo | Garnacho, João Pedro, Neto | Guiu
_Substitutes from: Jörgensen, Tosin, Fofana, Hato, Lavia, Santos, Estêvão, Gittens, George_
**Sunderland starting XI:**
Roefs | Hume, Mukiele, Ballard, Reinildo, Geertruida, Xhaka (c), Sadiki, Le Fée, Traoré, Isidor
_Substitutes from: Patterson, Neil, O’nien, Talbi, Rigg, Brobbey, Mayenda, Jones, Masuaku_
**Date / Time:** Saturday, October 25, 2025, 15.00 BST; 10am EDT; 7:30pm IST
**Venue:** Stamford Bridge, SW6
**Referee:** Andy Madley (on pitch); Craig Pawson (VAR)
**Forecast:** Cool but probably dry
**On TV:** none (UK); none (USA); none (India); SuperSport Premier League, Canal+ Sport 4 (NGA); [elsewhere](https://www.livesoccertv.com/match/chelsea-vs-sunderland/17wh0#5297243)
**Streaming:** none (UK); Peacock (USA); Disney+ Hotstar (India); DStv Now (NGA)
Be excellent to each other, and party on, dudes!
See More:
* [Chelsea FC: Premier League](/premier-league)