McFarlane says Spurs win was 'always going to be tough after FA Cup final'
Chelsea Football Newsletter
Chelsea still need to confirm their qualification for European football next season on the final day of the Premier League season.
The Blues travel to Sunderland to finish off the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, with Chelsea currently sat in eightj, level on points with ninth-placed Brentford.
Chelsea could yet grab Europa League football if they are victorious against the Black Cats and Brighton drop points at home to Manchester United.
Conversely, Chelsea could have to settle for a spot in the Europa Conference League - or miss out on Europe completely if they do not match Brentford’s result away at Liverpool on the final day.
With Xabi Alonso set to take over in the summer, interim boss Calum MacFarlane has one last selection headache on his hands.
Robert Sanchez has been included in Spain’s World Cup squad and starts on the final day of the Prmeier League here.
Chelsea captain Reece James is off to the World Cup this summer
Reece James’ inclusion in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad will be a big boost to Chelsea’s captain. Rested in midweek, James is again on the bench at the Stadium of Light as Levi Colwill starts.
Marc Cucurella has been one of Chelsea’s most consistent performers this term, and he slots in at full-back.
The attacking trio that links the midfield to the lone striker has consisted of Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez, and Neto the past two games, and it seems likely they will be trusted again.
Joao Pedro missed the Spurs game due to a minor hamstring issue - absent from Brazil’s World Cup squad, Chelsea start the former Brighton man over Liam Delap, who is goalless in his last 15 Premier League appearances.
Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Fofana, Colwill, Hato; Gusto, Caicedo, Enzo, Cucurella; Palmer, Joao Pedro, Neto
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Rediscover your adventurous side on an exotic getaway
Subs: Jorgensen, Acheampong, Chalobah, James, Derry, Essugo, Garnacho, Andrey Santos, Delap
Injured: Gittens, Estevao
Time and date: 4pm BST on Sunday, May 24, 2026
Venue: Stadium of Light
How to watch: Sky Sports