Our Prediction for Chelsea vs Sunderland
Chelsea return to Stamford Bridge looking to extend their recent resurgence under Enzo Maresca. The Blues have built confidence with back-to-back wins, including a strong showing against Nottingham Forest, and now face a Sunderland side growing in belief after a positive start to the campaign. Regis Le Bris’ men have impressed since promotion, but this trip to west London represents their toughest test yet.
Prediction: Chelsea to win 2–0
Chelsea Form Analysis
Chelsea are beginning to find their rhythm, combining youthful flair with greater tactical control. Under Enzo Maresca, the Blues are finally showing the fluid, possession-based football he was brought in to implement. They have scored 16 goals in their first eight matches and have now kept consecutive clean sheets in the league, suggesting growing defensive assurance.
João Pedro continues to impress as the attacking focal point, while Alejandro Garnacho and Pedro Neto bring pace and directness from the wide areas. The absence of key names such as Enzo Fernández, Cole Palmer, and Levi Colwill has allowed Roméo Lavia and Andrey Santos to stake their claim in midfield, and both have stepped up impressively.
Chelsea’s recent 3–0 win over Nottingham Forest followed a resilient victory against Liverpool, highlighting growing confidence at Stamford Bridge. The Blues have scored in every home match this season and look increasingly cohesive both in and out of possession.
Sunderland Form Analysis
Sunderland’s adaptation to Premier League football has been impressive. Under Regis Le Bris, the Black Cats have struck a fine balance between defensive structure and attacking intent. Their 2–0 win over Wolves last weekend reflected their discipline, pressing intensity, and the understanding within a youthful side built largely on the core of last season’s Championship campaign.
Granit Xhaka’s arrival has added leadership and top-level experience in midfield, complementing the youthful energy of Chris Rigg and Enzo Le Fée. Meanwhile, Ben Traoré’s pace and W. Isidor’s movement give Sunderland real threat on the counter. Away form remains inconsistent, with only one win in four, but their work rate and tactical organisation continue to earn plaudits.
Sunderland may lack the individual quality of Chelsea, yet their cohesion and understanding of the manager’s system make them a tough side to break down.
Best Betting Odds for Chelsea vs Sunderland
| Market |
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Chelsea to Win | 1.44 | 1.36 | 1.36 |
| Draw | 4.50 | 4.60 | 4.60 |
| Sunderland to Win | 7.00 | 6.00 | 7.00 |
| Over 2.5 Goals | 1.73 | 1.65 | 1.65 |
| Both Teams to Score | 1.47 | 1.85 | 1.85 |
Last Encounters Between Chelsea and Sunderland
21/05/2017: Chelsea 5–1 Sunderland (Premier League)
17/12/2016: Sunderland 0–1 Chelsea (Premier League)
07/05/2016: Sunderland 3–2 Chelsea (Premier League)
19/12/2015: Chelsea 3–1 Sunderland (Premier League)
29/04/2015: Chelsea 3–1 Sunderland (Premier League)
Chelsea have won four of the last five meetings, maintaining a dominant record over Sunderland at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea vs Sunderland Predicted Lineups
Chelsea (4-2-3-1)
GK: Robert Sánchez
RB: Malo Gusto CB: J. Acheampong CB: Trevoh Chalobah LB: Marc Cucurella
CDM: Roméo Lavia CM: Reece James
RW: Pedro Neto CAM: Andrey Santos LW: Alejandro Garnacho
ST: João Pedro
Injured/Suspended: Enzo Fernández, Cole Palmer, Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Dario Essugo, Mykhailo Mudryk, Liam Delap (all out)
Coach: Enzo Maresca
Sunderland (4-2-3-1)
GK: R. Roefs
RB: N. Mukiele CB: O. Alderete CB: D. Ballard LB: T. Hume
CDM: Granit Xhaka CM: N. Sadiki
RW: Ben Traoré CAM: Chris Rigg LW: Enzo Le Fée
ST: W. Isidor
Injured/Suspended: Reinildo Mandava (suspended), Mouhamadou Diarra (injured)
Coach: Regis Le Bris
Where to Watch Chelsea vs Sunderland
Fans in the UK can watch Chelsea vs Sunderland live on TNT Sports, with coverage starting from 2:30pm (UK time) ahead of the 3:00pm kick-off at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea & Sunderland Players That Used to Play in the EFL
Trevoh Chalobah – Formerly Ipswich Town and Huddersfield Town
Chalobah’s loan spells in the Championship shaped his maturity and defensive intelligence. The experience of playing in physical, fast-paced divisions prepared him well for the tactical demands of the Premier League.
Dan Ballard – Formerly Millwall and Blackpool
Ballard made over 70 EFL appearances before becoming a cornerstone in Sunderland’s promotion-winning side. His composure on the ball and aerial strength remain key traits that stem from those formative years.
Chris Rigg – Academy product of Sunderland’s EFL era
Rigg broke through as a teenager during Sunderland’s Championship campaign. His composure and ball control under pressure highlight how the club’s EFL foundations continue to shape their new generation.
Ben Traoré – Joined from an EFL club this summer
Signed from Hull side ahead of this campaign, Traoré’s direct dribbling and work rate have added a sharp edge to Sunderland’s front line. His familiarity with the English game has helped him adapt instantly to top-flight football.
