Sunderland and Chelsea collide on the final day with plenty on the line. The Black Cats are chasing a European spot, while Chelsea are desperate to sign off on a high after a disappointing season.
Sunderland eye European breakthrough
Sunderland’s season has already exceeded expectations. Promoted via last year’s play offs, they sit 10th and still have a chance of climbing to seventh. Victory would take them to 54 points and move them above Chelsea and potentially securing European football next season.
Their 2–1 win at Stamford Bridge in October remains one of the standout results of their campaign.
Completing a first league double over Chelsea since 2000–01 would underline the progress made under Regis Le Bris, who has been shortlisted for the manager of the season awards.
Resilience has been a defining feature. Sunderland have recovered 22 points from losing positions — the most in the Premier League — and that ability to stay in matches was evident again in their 3–1 win at Everton last weekend.
Another victory would give them back to back league wins for only the third time this season.
They are also only the fifth promoted side in the past 16 years to reach the 50 point mark, joining Wolves, Sheffield United, Leeds and Fulham.
Final days have not always been kind to Sunderland, though. They have won just one of their 16 previous Premier League season finales.
Chelsea look to finish with momentum
Chelsea’s 2–1 win over Tottenham on Tuesday ended a run of seven league matches without a victory. It offered a glimpse of improvement in a season marked by inconsistency and managerial change.
Xabi Alonso will not be in the dugout at the Stadium of Light, but the incoming manager will be watching closely as he assesses the squad he inherits.
For now, Chelsea have the chance to record consecutive league wins for the first time since early in the year.
Their record away at Sunderland is strong, with just one defeat in their last 13 league visits.
Individual performances have also shown signs of progress: Enzo Fernandez is enjoying his most productive Premier League campaign, while João Pedro has been directly involved in seven goals across his last nine appearances.