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Chelsea vs Sunderland Decides Final European Qualification Spot

5/24/2026

Summary

Chelsea Showdown

Sunderland host Chelsea on May 24, 2026, at the Stadium of Light, with the result deciding the final European-qualification places.
Entering the match, Chelsea hold 52 points while Sunderland have 51, and Sunderland will miss Chemsdine Talbi (muscle injury) and Dan Ballard (suspension) with Omar Alderete a doubt.
Chelsea interim manager Calum McFarlane confirms Levi Colwill and João Pedro have returned to training and are expected to play.

Summary

Hato Wins

Voting gave eight starters over 80% support, but centre-back Jorrel Hato earned only 51% and beat Trevoh Chalobah (44%), Wesley Fofana (32%), Josh Acheampong (28%), Mamadou Sarr (8%), Tosin Adarabioyo (2%) and Benoît Badiashile (1%).
Calum McFarlane plans a back-three with Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana and Jorrel Hato for Sunderland match as Chelsea eyes the centre-back market this summer, endangering Fofana’s place.
Midfielder Enzo Fernández will captain the Blues in the season-closing fixture.

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Chelsea Showdown

Sunderland host Chelsea on May 24, 2026, at the Stadium of Light, with the result deciding the final European-qualification places.
Entering the match, Chelsea hold 52 points while Sunderland have 51, and Sunderland will miss Chemsdine Talbi (muscle injury) and Dan Ballard (suspension) with Omar Alderete a doubt.
Chelsea interim manager Calum McFarlane confirms Levi Colwill and João Pedro have returned to training and are expected to play.

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