Chelsea travel to Sunderland on Sunday in their final game of the Premier League season and Paul Merson has given his prediction.
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It’s been another difficult season for the Blues, who have once again failed to qualify for the Champions League, and also lost the FA Cup final.
Chelsea head into the game sat eighth in the league, but still have a chance to qualify for either the Europa League or Conference League.
Paul Merson makes Sunderland vs Chelsea prediction
The Blues lost the reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge 2-1 earlier this season, and defeat would see them miss out on European football completely.
Calum McFarlane has said Joao Pedro and Levi Colwill both trained on Friday having missed the win against Tottenham on Tuesday.
Reece James was an unused substitute against Spurs, and it would be a surprise if he didn’t return to the side for the final game of the season.
Sunderland have a very good home record, and a win could see them qualify for Europe in their first season back in the Premier League, and Merson has given his prediction.
“Chelsea are in pole-position to qualify for the Europa Conference League. But if Sunderland win this game, they will leapfrog Chelsea. That just adds an additional and important layer to this match,” he told Sportskeeda.
“I think Chelsea playing the Conference League next season is a good thing for their young players. The homegrown players can get a chance to impress in that competition.
“I know how many people say it’s not a great tournament, but if you look at it from a perspective of giving chance to the youth, it’s perfect in my opinion.
“The Conference League will give Xabi Alonso the chance to improvise stuff. He can use that competition to find out more about his squad. For a new manager at a big club, that is an asset.
“Prediction: Sunderland 2-2 Chelsea.”
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In other news…
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