- Sunderland have won eight, tied six and lost only four of their 18 home games in Premier League 2025/2026.
- Chelsea are unbeaten in their last away match, a 1-1 draw at Liverpool.
- Chelsea have won seven, tied five and lost six of their 18 away games in Premier League 2025/2026, scoring 1.72 goals per game on average.
Tactical matchup is intriguing
This Sunderland vs Chelsea preview highlights that Sunderland are sitting 12th in the standings in Premier League 2025/2026 after taking 48 points from 36 games while Chelsea are ninth with 49 points from the same number of games.
Sunderland have won one, tied two and lost two of their last five matches, but their home form has dipped a little with no wins in their last two games at home, a tie and a defeat, prior to this weekend’s clash with Chelsea.
The Black Cats have, however, conceded only 19 goals in 18 home games in this Premier League season, an average of 1.06 per game, so should be difficult to break down on Sunday. Chelsea have two wins, one draw and two defeats in their last five outings, beating Tottenham 2-1 at home, drawing 1-1 at Liverpool and losing 1-0 to Manchester City in the FA Cup. The Sunderland vs Chelsea prediction for this match could be influenced by both teams' recent form and defensive records.
Chelsea can’t be trusted
A new manager always brings optimism and, although Calum McFarlane was appointed in April 2026, there is a feel-good factor around Chelsea at the moment. He has the task of steadying a ship that has been blown off course by a season of tactical changes and managerial upheaval.
Chelsea’s identity has morphed from a possession-based team into one that presses and plays direct when required and have found some good ways to create overloads in the half-spaces. However, the Sunderland vs Chelsea prediction will also depend on how well Chelsea adapt their tactics against Sunderland's compact defensive shape.
Regis Le Bris has done a fine job since taking over as Sunderland boss in July 2024, instilling a structure and organisation to the club’s play that was previously lacking. His tactical blueprint is to be solid, to create wide overloads and to be patient in the build-up.
Sunderland can edge a lively game
This game should see plenty of goals as Sunderland have a pressing urgency about them in the closing stages and Chelsea should attack the game with intent. Both teams to score - Yes, Over 2.5 goals and Sunderland to win are the selections here as this game should be a little end-to-end with Chelsea looking to get their forwards on the ball as much as possible. Our Sunderland vs Chelsea betting tips support the idea of an open encounter with several scoring opportunities.
Brian Brobbey leads the line for Sunderland with six Premier League goals from 29 appearances and the big Dutchman provides them with a physical presence up top. Joao Pedro is Chelsea’s main man with 15 goals from 34 Premier League games this season and has led their scoring from the start of the campaign.
Sunderland have won 8, tied 6 and lost only 4 of their 18 home games in Premier League 2025/2026, Chelsea have won 7, tied 5 and lost 6 of their 18 on the road. The Sunderland vs Chelsea prediction also factors in the strong home record of the Black Cats, which could be pivotal for the outcome.
