Sports

Sunderland vs. Chelsea Lineups, Score, Live Streaming, How and Where to Watch, Start Time

By Farah Ben Gamra Athlon Sports

Chelsea arrive sitting 8th in the Premier League table, knowing their Champions League hopes are already gone, but Europe is still within reach. A win could lift them into 7th and secure a Europa League spot, depending on results elsewhere involving Brighton. If they finish 8th, they would still land Conference League qualification,  but only if things go their way on Sunday.

The equation is simple but tight: Chelsea must beat Sunderland and hope Brighton drop points against Manchester United. Even a draw could be enough in certain scenarios, but only if Brighton lose heavily.

For Sunderland, the stakes are aslo huge. The Black Cats are only 1 point behind Chelsea and could leapfrog them into a European place of their own with a win, depending on other results. They already beat Chelsea earlier this season at Stamford Bridge and will believe they can do it again at home.

Chelsea's season has been far from smooth, with inconsistency and defensive issues defining their campaign. Even a recent win over Tottenham did little to fully shift the overall picture, and they arrive under pressure to avoid finishing the season empty-handed in Europe.

Sunderland has enjoyed a strong return to the top flight and have taken points off many big teams this season. Their win at Everton last time out only added to the growing belief inside the squad.

Chelsea is also expected to rotate slightly depending on fitness and tactical choices, with several players managing a long and difficult season.

Sunderland's French midfielder #28 Enzo Le Fee takes a freekick during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Sunderland at Stamford Bridge in London on October 25, 2025. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images)
Sunderland's French midfielder #28 Enzo Le Fee takes a freekick during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Sunderland at Stamford Bridge in London on October 25, 2025. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images)

Sunderland vs. Chelsea Lineups

Sunderland

  • Goalkeeper: Roefs
  • Defenders: Geertruida, Mukiele, O'Nien, Reinildo
  • Midfielders: Xhaka, Sadiki
  • Attacking midfielders: Hume, Le Fée, Angulo
  • Forward: Brobbey

Chelsea

  • Goalkeeper: Sánchez
  • Defenders: Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella
  • Midfielders: James, Caicedo
  • Attacking midfielders: Neto, Palmer, Fernández
  • Forward: João Pedro

This has all the ingredients of a tense final-day battle. Sunderland have already shown they can trouble the biggest teams, while Chelsea's inconsistency and defensive struggles leave them vulnerable.

Sunderland's home form and belief in big matches could make this uncomfortable for the visitors, especially with European football still on the line for both sides.

How to Watch Sunderland vs. Chelsea

Kick-off is 4:00 p.m. BST / 11:00 a.m. ET / 8:00 a.m. PT.

  • USA: Peacock
  • UK: Sky Sports+
  • Canada: DAZN / fuboTV
  • Mexico: FOX+ / FOX One
  • MENA: beIN Sports

Sunderland vs. Chelsea Score

Copyright 2026 Athlon Sports. All rights reserved.

This story was originally published May 24, 2026 at 6:19 AM.

Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER