Sunderland and Chelsea meet at the Stadium of Light with both sides looking to secure a place in European football for next season.
Having overcome Tottenham 2-1 on Tuesday, Chelsea head to Wearside in eighth position in the Premier League table and primed to ensure Xabi Alonso will be inheriting a team in a European competition. Eighth would secure a place in the Conference League, which Chelsea won last season, while seventh would be good enough for Europa League football.
The Blues will move into seventh with a win if Brighton and Hove Albion fail to beat Manchester United. A draw will be enough for eighth if Brentford fail to win at Liverpool.
Chelsea would surely prefer Europa League football as it would open up an extra potential pathway into the Champions League.
By contrast, Sunderland would be delighted with any form of European football to cap a superb first season back in the top flight.
Sunderland have made just a single appearance in continental competition, which came in the 1973-74 European Cup Winners’ Cup after their FA Cup triumph over Leeds United the previous season.
A win will be enough for Sunderland to at least finish eighth and get into the Conference League, unless both Brighton and Brentford win their respective games.
And manager Régis Le Bris is relishing the opportunity to write another chapter in the club’s history by completing a double over the Blues.
“This game is a good opportunity to celebrate the season at home in front of our fans,” Le Bris said.
“At the minute, we have 51 points and the opportunity to get three more, which is impressive for our first season back in the Premier League.
“We have grown, learned, improved and struggled at times which is normal in the league. If everything aligns elsewhere, maybe something exceptional can happen, but it’s not fully in our hands.”
Team news for Sunderland v Chelsea
Sunderland will be without Chemsdine Talbi due to a muscle injury, while Omar Alderete is a doubt after sustaining a knock in the win at Everton.
Chelsea talisman João Pedro and defender Levi Colwill are both in contention to return for the Blues, as is Reece James after being rested against Tottenham.
