Sunderland vs Chelsea: Premier League preview, predictions and bet builder tips

Our prediction: Sunderland 1-1 Chelsea

Sunderland

Our predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Roefs / Geertruida, Mukiele, Alderete, Reinildo / Xhaka, Sadiki / Hume, Le Fee, Talbi / Brobbey

Chelsea

Our predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez / James, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella / Andrey Santos, Caicedo / Palmer, Fernandez, Neto / Delap

It's been a superb first season back in the Premier League for Sunderland, who have exceeded all expectations and currently occupy a top-half position. It could get even better for the Black Cats, who could finish as high as 7th, which depending on results elsewhere would be a Europa League place. Even Conference League qualification has got the Mackems dreaming.

Chelsea are two places and one point above their opponents in 8th, but the difference in mood couldn't be starker after another underwhelming campaign. European qualification of some form is the bare minimum for a club of their stature, although there's some debate whether incoming manager Xabi Alonso would benefit from one game a week.

Sunderland will be backed by a raucous crowd, although they may feel the pressure and their home form hasn't been the best of late. Chelsea's squad is packed with far more quality, even if their mentality has been questioned, but they put in a strong performance in the FA Cup final defeat to Man City and subsequent win over Spurs in midweek. We think it'll be a pretty evenly-matched game, and we're predicting it to end in a 1-1 draw.

Sunderland didn't lose at home in the league until February, but they've now lost four of their last six at the Stadium of Light, scoring just twice across those games. Chelsea suffered a club-record six defeats in a row without scoring in March and April, a run which saw Liam Rosenior lose his job, and although things have improved under interim boss Calum McFarlane they've still only scored once in their last three away games. With neither side on fire in front of goal, we're predicting there to be under 2.5 goals.

Cole Palmer was a shock omission from Thomas Tuchel's England World Cup squad, with the Chelsea star scoring England's only goal in the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain two years ago. It's been an underwhelming season by Palmer's high standards, but he's still managed nine league goals despite making only one start before December due to a groin injury. He's averaging 1.11 shots on target per game, and we think he'll have a point to prove in the North East, so we're tipping Palmer to test the keeper at least once.

It took Brian Brobbey until December to break into Regis Le Bris' starting eleven, but he's made a real impact since he has and is a striker few defenders enjoy playing against. Brobbey has managed seven league goals, including a late winner in the Tyne-Wear Derby, but his physicality and hold-up play has caused opponents all sorts of problems. That was evident again with his goal last weekend at Everton, as he threw James Tarkowski off him and finished calmly. We think Brobbey will make an impact again by having at least one shot on target.

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All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.