Chelsea are out to continue their recent run of good form when they host Sunderland this weekend.
The Blues thrashed Ajax 5-1 in the Champions League in midweek as Enzo Maresca made 10 changes to the side that beat Nottingham Forest 3-0.
That result continued the Blues’ poor run back in September, where they were beaten by Manchester United and Bayern Munich, while also being held to a 2-2 draw at Brentford.
Now, they are fifth in the table, five points off league leaders Arsenal, and just the one point adrift of the top four.
Sunderland, meanwhile, are flying since their promotion back to the top flight.
Regis Le Bris’ Black Cats were very active in the transfer market, picking up some notable names off the continent to supplement their play-off winning squad.
Former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka knits everything together in the engine room, while Nordi Mukiele and Omar Alderete have arrived to great acclaim in the back four.
That is even before you consider Lutsharel Geetruida and Brian Brobbey, previously courted by some of Europe’s top clubs, who have had to settle for places on the bench in the early stages of their careers on Wearside.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Chelsea vs Sunderland is scheduled for a 3pm BST kick-off on Saturday October 25, 2025.
Where to watch Chelsea vs Sunderland
TV channel and live stream: In the UK, the game is not being shown live on TV.
Live blog: However, you can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog, with insight and analysis from Sam Tabuteau at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea vs Sunderland team news
He is set to miss out until at least next month, with Maresca recently putting a six-week timeframe on the England international’s absence.
Palmer’s compatriot Levi Colwill is out for the majority of the season with an ACL injury, while Dario Essugo is still missing after thigh surgery.
Centre-back Benoit Badiashile is another out with a muscular injury, and he will be sidelined until December, while Enzo Fernandez played against Ajax in midweek after a knee scare.
Malo Gusto is suspended after his red card at Forest, while Liam Delap is now back training but won’t be in contention until Wednesday’s trip to Wolves in the Carabao Cup. Mykhailo Mudryk remains unavailable.
As for Sunderland, they also have a number of players out for this one.
Big-money signing Habib Diarra is sidelined until December, while Leo Hjelde is also ruled out with an Achilles issue.
Winger Romaine Mundle and left-back Dennis Cirkin are also not expected to be involved with thigh and wrist injuries respectively, while Aji Alese is also out with an injured shoulder.
There is a boost, however, for Le Bris, with former Atletico Madrid defender Reinildo back from suspension after his red card against Aston Villa, where he kicked out at Matty Cash.
Chelsea vs Sunderland prediction
Seventh-placed Sunderland have been one of a handful of surprise packages this term, and perhaps the pick of the bunch.
They have quietly gone about their business, surreptitiously climbing the table and into European contention.
As already mentioned, they have plenty of weapons that can hurt Chelsea, but really, the Blues should still see this as a must-win game.
They have the firepower, regardless of their injury issues, and they have the form to go with it.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
Chelsea vs Sunderland match odds
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
