Sunderland welcome Chelsea to the Stadium of Light in their final match of the 2025-26 English Premier League season with both sides still chasing an European finish on the standings.
Ayomide Oguntimehin provides more insight into the May 24 matchup.
Sunderland vs Chelsea match preview
Sunderland have enjoyed a very impressive campaign after securing promotion to the top-flight by winning the Championship playoff last season. The Black Cats have already overachieved and could even cap an impressive season by finishing in an European place and qualifying for at least the UEFA Conference League. In 37 matches this season, they have won 13 times, drawn 12 and lost 12 times. They have also scored 40 times and conceded 47 and are most certain to end up with a negative goal difference on the standings.
Two days to go… ⏳ pic.twitter.com/87zPzadUmT
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) May 22, 2026
Chelsea, meanwhile, bounced back from a run of seven league games without a win by defeating Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in their last match. The Blues have endured a very difficult campaign. Despite winning the Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup last season, Enzo Maresca was sacked on New Year’s Day, with his replacement Liam Rosenior also dismissed after a poor run of form which saw them lose six consecutive matches in the league.
They also got to the final of the FA Cup but were defeated by Manchester City, who took a 1-0 lead. However, Chelsea owners have already appointed Xabi Alonso as manager and will look to close out the season strongly, looking ahead to next season.
Best betting odds
Home (Sunderland) to Win or Draw – 1.84 (via 1xBet)
Prediction
Sunderland will be buoyed by the motivation of finishing in an European spot and should claim a favourable outcome in the clash especially given Chelsea’s very poor defensive showings in recent outings.
Sunderland vs Chelsea Head-to-Head
(Last five matches)
- 25.10.2025 – Chelsea 1-2 Sunderland
- 21.05.2017 – Chelsea 5-1 Sunderland
- 14.12.2016 – Sunderland 0-1 Chelsea
- 07.05.2016 – Sunderland 3-2 Chelsea
- 19.12.2015 – Chelsea 3-1 Sunderland
Chelsea have held the upper advantage in recent meetings between these two sides, winning three of their last five matches.
However, Sunderland claimed a 2-1 win when both sides met at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season.
Recent form: Sunderland
Sunderland have been inconsistent in recent outings and have only managed one win from their last five matches, although they only lost twice during this period, recording two draws.
The Black Cats were unbeaten in their first 13 games at home, but have now lost four of the last six, with the exception being a 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur and a 0-0 draw with Manchester United in their last home appearance.
Habib Diarra’s going to the #FIFAWorldCup 😍🇸🇳 pic.twitter.com/DGXFAGglPn
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) May 21, 2026
Recent form: Chelsea
Chelsea have endured a poor form and the win over Spurs was their first in eight league games, a run that saw them lose six straight games also.
The Blues have not kept a clean sheet in the Premier League since January, marking 15 games in which they have conceded at least a goal in the Premier League.
Player to watch
Habib Diarra (Sunderland)
Diarra to Sunderland: £30m fee + £16.92m wages – Full transfer breakdown
Senegalese midfielder Habib Diarra has enjoyed a decent campaign in his debut season in England and will look to add to his two goal tally in the league against Chelsea on the final day.
His physical battle with Moises Caicedo in the middle of the park will be one to watch out for in this encounter.
