Tenth place Sunderland takes on eighth place Chelsea in their final home game of the season this Sunday, 24th May, at 4pm.
The Stadium of Light is fully sold out for the end of what has been an incredible season for the Black Cats, a win potentially resulting in European football next season.
If you’d told a Sunderland fan back in August 2025 that they’d still have something to play for in the last game of the season, they would probably be getting excited that there’s a chance of not being relegated. For the 2026 Mackems vying for an European spot in the Premier League, Gameweek 38 cements the fairytale year they’ve had. The European dream does rely on a win from Sunderland and a loss from Brighton and/or Brentford, but the mid-table finish would be an achievement in itself.
Sunderland and Club World Cup winners Chelsea last met in October 2025 at Stamford Bridge, where a third minute goal by Alejandro Garnacho started the game off in Chelsea’s favour. Wilson Isidor scored for Sunderland in the 21st minute, keeping the teams level for the majority of the game, until Chemsdine Talbi delivered Sunderland a 90+2 minute winner, cementing the Lads as a team to watch this season.
There is only one point between the teams - Sunderland on 51 and Chelsea on 52 - but Chelsea have scored 17 more goals than the home team this season.
Team News
Sunderland
Dan Ballard is out for the final game of this season, serving the last of his three-match ban for his red card against Wolves on 2nd May.
Omar Alderete and Chemsdine Talbi are both expected to be out of the game for injuries. Alderete aggravated a hip injury during the match last week and was replaced by Luke O’Nien . Talbi - the final goalscorer the last time the sides met - is also set to miss out after picking up an injury in training.
Chelsea
Joao Pedro is being assessed for a ‘slight knock’ but is expected to return by Sunday’s game. Levi Colwill and Romeo Lavia are also expected to return to the team by Sunday.
Likely Lineups
Sunderland
Roefs; Geertruida; Mukiele; O’Nien; Mandava; Xhaka; Sadiki; Hume; Le Fee; Angulo; Brobbey
Chelsea
Sanchez; James; Chalobah; Colwill; Cucurella; Caicedo; Santos; Fernandez; Palmer; Neto; Joao Pedro
Key Players
Sunderland - Robin Roefs
After winning Men’s Young Player of the Season at the End of Season Awards this week, all eyes are on Robin Roefs in the upcoming fixture against Chelsea. Only a win will see Sunderland have a chance at Europe, so his gloves are quintessential to the Black Cats’ push. Roefs has been key to Sunderland’s campaign this season; his incredible penalty saves at Everton and FPL points have made him a standout goalkeeping talent. Sunderland will have a challenge of keeping a hold of him in the summer transfer window!
Chelsea - Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer has been featured heavily in the news this week after he was omitted from Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the 2026 World Cup. Palmer has scored 9 goals and made 1 assist in his 25 Premier League appearances this season, and has been a standout player for Chelsea in this remarkable Premier League season.
Match Details
Where is the game being played?
The match will be held at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland. It’s set to be a busy weekend in Sunderland, with Radio 1’s Big Weekend also taking place, so expect the city centre to be bustling.
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off for the final match of the season is at 16:00 BST.
How can I watch?
The match will be available to watch on Sky Sports.