Sunderland and Chelsea meet on the Stadium of Gentle with each side seeking to safe a spot in European soccer for subsequent season.
Having overcome Tottenham 2-1 on Tuesday, Chelsea head to Wearside in eighth place within the Premier League desk and primed to make sure Xabi Alonso might be inheriting a staff in a European competitors. Eighth would safe a spot within the Convention League, which Chelsea gained final season, whereas seventh can be ok for Europa League soccer.
The Blues will transfer into seventh with a win if Brighton and Hove Albion fail to beat Manchester United. A draw might be sufficient for eighth if Brentford fail to win at Liverpool.
Chelsea would absolutely favor Europa League soccer as it will open up an additional potential pathway into the Champions League.
In contrast, Sunderland can be delighted with any type of European soccer to cap an excellent first season again within the high flight.
Sunderland have made only a single look in continental competitors, which got here within the 1973-74 European Cup Winners’ Cup after their FA Cup overcome Leeds United the earlier season.
A win might be sufficient for Sunderland to no less than end eighth and get into the Convention League, except each Brighton and Brentford win their respective video games.
And supervisor Régis Le Bris is relishing the chance to write down one other chapter within the membership’s historical past by finishing a double over the Blues.
“This recreation is an effective alternative to have fun the season at residence in entrance of our followers,” Le Bris mentioned.
“On the minute, we’ve got 51 factors and the chance to get three extra, which is spectacular for our first season again within the Premier League.
“We’ve grown, discovered, improved and struggled at occasions which is regular within the league. If every little thing aligns elsewhere, perhaps one thing distinctive can occur, however it’s not totally in our palms.”
Staff information for Sunderland v Chelsea
Sunderland might be with out Chemsdine Talbi resulting from a muscle damage, whereas Omar Alderete is a doubt after sustaining a knock within the win at Everton.
Chelsea talisman João Pedro and defender Levi Colwill are each in competition to return for the Blues, as is Reece James after being rested in opposition to Tottenham.
