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A forgettable campaign draws to a close for Chelsea on Sunday as they travel to Sunderland for their final Premier League fixture.
The Blues have endured a torrid 2025–26 campaign, yet a glimmer of hope remains within reach. Europa League qualification is still attainable for Chelsea, who require a favorable result at the Stadium of Light combined with a stumble from Brighton & Hove Albion to squeeze into seventh place.
A loss, however, could see Chelsea fall out of the European spots entirely, creating a substantial financial hole heading into Xabi Alonso's first season at the helm.
Getting the job done on Sunday is crucial for the Blues if they are to rescue any sense of achievement from the campaign.
Levi Colwill, Joao Pedro Return to Training
João Pedro and Levi Colwill were both notable absentees during the midweek triumph over Tottenham Hotspur, but the pair rejoined training on Friday and are expected to play some part on Wearside.
The two players, both of whom have been left out of their respective World Cup squads, should be accompanied by Reece James, who sat on the bench unused against Spurs but has had his fitness confirmed by caretaker manager Calum McFarlane.
Malo Gusto is also expected to make his return from a minor injury, while Roméo Lavia's participation remains in doubt as he deals with yet another setback.
Jesse Derry, Jamie Gittens and Estêvão are all sidelined through injury, and Mykhailo Mudryk continues to serve a suspension following a doping ban.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Sunderland
GK: Robert Sánchez—Sánchez is unlikely to remain Chelsea's first-choice goalkeeper when 2026–27 arrives, with erratic displays throughout the season making it clear that reinforcements are needed in goal.
RB: Malo Gusto—The dynamic Frenchman will surge up and down the right flank at the Stadium of Light, though he must remain mindful of the gaps left behind by his energetic overlapping runs.
CB: Wesley Fofana—Chelsea are anticipated to enter the center-back market this summer, putting Fofana's place under threat. Fortunately, Alonso's inclination toward a back three gives him reason to believe he can hold onto his starting spot.
CB: Levi Colwill—Colwill's recovery from injury came just slightly too late for him to earn a place in Thomas Tuchel's England squad. A few more weeks of fitness and the outcome may well have been different.
LB: Marc Cucurella—Sunderland lack genuine quality out wide, which should give Cucurella the freedom to push forward and pose a threat going forward.
DM: Reece James—Whether deployed at right back or in midfield, Chelsea are invariably a stronger side with their captain in the starting eleven. James brings a level of composure, quality and physicality that has proven impossible to replace during his injury-plagued spell.
DM: Moisés Caicedo—A promising start to the season has tapered off, but Caicedo will take heart from Alonso's impending arrival. The Ecuador international could reach new levels under the astute Spaniard.
RW: Pedro Neto—Neto has not registered a Premier League goal since early December. That is simply an insufficient level of contribution from the Portugal international.
AM: Cole Palmer—Much like fellow Englishman Colwill, Palmer will be watching the World Cup from home this summer. A surprising omission, certainly, but the attacking midfielder must acknowledge that his output has fallen short for much of an injury-disrupted campaign.
LW: Enzo Fernández—Fernández shone in the midweek win with a superb goal and assist, and the Argentina international may potentially be playing his last game for Chelsea amid swirling transfer speculation.
ST: João Pedro—Liam Delap's dismal debut season has highlighted just how important Pedro is to the Blues. The Brazilian is always greatly missed when sidelined through injury, and his return represents a major lift for Chelsea's season finale.