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Sunderland vs Chelsea — Premier League Prediction 24 May 2026

Sunderland
Sunderland
Premier League
1
VS
2
schedule 24 May, 15:00 · Referee: Chris Kavanagh (England)
Predicted Score

Last update of insights: 30 May 2026

Chelsea
Chelsea
Final result
2 – 1
CoachAI prediction
1 – 2
✗ Outcome incorrect
Kickoff in

Coach AI predicts a score of 1-2 for Sunderland vs Chelsea in the Premier League. Chelsea is the favourite with a 46% win probability. Sunderland has a 28% chance of winning and 26% ends in a draw. See the full analysis, injuries and score matrix below.

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Sunderland vs Chelsea

This is a high-stakes 'final day' shootout at the Stadium of Light with European qualification on the line. Chelsea (8th) holds a one-point lead over Sunderland (10th). While Sunderland has been unbeaten in May and possesses incredible resilience (recovering a league-high 22 points from losing positions), they historically struggle on the final day (only 1 win in 16). Unexpectedly warm weather for the North East (25°C) may favor Chelsea's possession-heavy style, potentially fatiguing Sunderland’s defensive block.

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Match Scenario's

Three most likely match scenarios

45%
35%
20%

Blues Clinical Finish

45%

Chelsea dominates possession and exploits the gaps in Sunderland's makeshift defense to secure a 2-1 victory and European football.

Set-Piece Stalemate

35%

Sunderland's discipline and back-post set-piece routines cancel out Chelsea's shot volume, resulting in a 1-1 or 2-2 draw.

Black Cats Counter-Strike

20%

Sunderland absorbs 90 minutes of pressure and catches Chelsea on a late transition or long ball to Brian Brobbey to win 1-0 or 2-1.

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Current Standings

Position in the competition

Pos Team Pld W D L GD Pts
5 Liverpool FC 38 17 9 12 +10 60
6 AFC Bournemouth 38 13 18 7 +4 57
7 Sunderland AFC 38 14 12 12 -6 54
8 Brighton & Hove Albion FC 38 14 11 13 +6 53
9 Brentford FC 38 14 11 13 +3 53
10 Chelsea FC 38 14 10 14 +6 52
11 Fulham FC 38 15 7 16 -4 52
12 Newcastle United FC 38 14 7 17 -2 49
Sunderland
Chelsea

Most likely scorelines

1-2 13% 1-1 11% 2-1 9%
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Correct Score Prediction

AI-calculated probability per scoreline

Most Likely Scorelines
1-2 13%
1-1 11%
2-1 9%
Chelsea (Away)
Sunderland (Home)
0
1
2
3
4
0
4.0%
7.0%
8.0%
5.0%
2.0%
1
5.0%
11.0%
13.0%
6.0%
1.0%
2
4.0%
9.0%
8.0%
3.0%
1.0%
3
2.0%
5.0%
4.0%
1.0%
1.0%
4
1.0%
2.0%
1.0%
1.0%
0.0%

The return of Chelsea's primary attacking threat (Joao Pedro) combined with the 'all-or-nothing' European qualification stakes for both teams shifts the probability weights away from low-scoring draws toward volatile outcomes like 1-3, 2-3, or 3-1.

Projected xG by CoachAI

1.34

Home xG

1.82

Away xG

Upset Chance

High

Risk of unexpected result

Sunderland Recent Form — Last 5

1 W · 2 D · 2 L
17/5 Everton FC 1-3 Sunderland AFC W 1.27
9/5 Sunderland AFC 0-0 Manchester United FC D 1.15
2/5 Wolverhampton Wanderers FC 1-1 Sunderland AFC D 1.35
24/4 Sunderland AFC 0-5 Nottingham Forest FC L 1.22
19/4 Aston Villa FC 4-3 Sunderland AFC L 1.21

Chelsea Recent Form — Last 5

1 W · 1 D · 3 L
19/5 Chelsea FC 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur FC W 1.85
9/5 Liverpool FC 1-1 Chelsea FC D 1.70
4/5 Chelsea FC 1-3 Nottingham Forest FC L 1.87
21/4 Brighton & Hove Albion FC 3-0 Chelsea FC L 1.90
18/4 Chelsea FC 0-1 Manchester United FC L 1.88
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Key Factors

sports_soccer 1

Chelsea's high offensive xG (averaging ~1.85 in recent games) vs. Sunderland's over-reliance on low-quality chances (league-low touches in the box).

trending_up 2

Sunderland's set-piece mastery (44% of xG from dead balls) exploiting Chelsea's defensive fragility (15 consecutive games without a clean sheet).

person 3

The suspension of Sunderland's key center-back Dan Ballard, which weakens their disciplined low-block defense against Chelsea's dynamic front three.

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Injuries & Absentees

Sunderland is severely hampered by the suspension of Dan Ballard and the likely absence of fellow defender Omar Alderete (doubtful), forcing a makeshift backline. Chelsea welcomes back Levi Colwill to stabilize their defense, and despite a knock, talismanic striker Joao Pedro is expected to lead the line alongside Cole Palmer, providing the Blues with their full offensive firepower for this European decider.

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Expected Lineups

Expected — may change before kickoff
Sunderland Expected

4-2-3-1

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Angulo LW
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Brobbey ST
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Hume RW
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Fee CAM
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Xhaka CDM
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Sadiki CM
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Mandava LB
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Mukiele CB
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O'Nien CB
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Geertruida RB
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Roefs GK

Luke O'Nien likely to start if Alderete fails fitness test. Brobbey leads the line after his goal vs Everton.

Chelsea Expected

4-2-3-1

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Fernandez LW
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Pedro ST
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Neto RW
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Palmer CAM
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Caicedo CDM
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Santos CDM
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Cucurella LB
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Fofana CB
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Colwill CB
person
James RB
person
Sanchez GK

Joao Pedro and Colwill return to the XI. Enzo Fernandez expected to keep his hybrid role on the left after starring vs Spurs.

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Frequently Asked Questions about this prediction

What is the Coach AI prediction for Sunderland vs Chelsea?

Coach AI predicts a score of 1-2 with a win probability of 28% for Sunderland, 26% draw and 46% for Chelsea.

What is the recent form of Sunderland and Chelsea?

Sunderland form (last 5): 1W-2D-2L. Chelsea form (last 5): 1W-1D-3L.

What are the injury and suspension updates for Sunderland vs Chelsea?

Sunderland is severely hampered by the suspension of Dan Ballard and the likely absence of fellow defender Omar Alderete (doubtful), forcing a makeshift backline. Chelsea welcomes back Levi Colwill to stabilize their defense, and despite a knock, talismanic striker Joao Pedro is expected to lead the line alongside Cole Palmer, providing the Blues with their full offensive firepower for this European decider.

What is the most likely correct score for Sunderland vs Chelsea?

According to the score probability matrix, 1-2 is the most likely scoreline (13%), followed by 1-1 (11%) and 2-1 (9%).

What are the possible match scenarios for Sunderland vs Chelsea?

Blues Clinical Finish (45%): Chelsea dominates possession and exploits the gaps in Sunderland's makeshift defense to secure a 2-1 victory and European football. — Set-Piece Stalemate (35%): Sunderland's discipline and back-post set-piece routines cancel out Chelsea's shot volume, resulting in a 1-1 or 2-2 draw. — Black Cats Counter-Strike (20%): Sunderland absorbs 90 minutes of pressure and catches Chelsea on a late transition or long ball to Brian Brobbey to win 1-0 or 2-1.

What are the current standings for Sunderland and Chelsea in the Premier League?

Sunderland are 7th in the Premier League with 54 points from 38 games. Chelsea are 10th with 52 points from 38 games.

What are the expected lineups for Sunderland vs Chelsea?

Expected lineup Sunderland (4-2-3-1): Robin Roefs, Lutsharel Geertruida, Nordi Mukiele, Luke O'Nien, Reinildo Mandava, Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki, Enzo Le Fee, Trai Hume, Brian Brobbey, Nilson Angulo. Expected lineup Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Robert Sanchez, Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill, Marc Cucurella, Moises Caicedo, Andrey Santos, Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto, Enzo Fernandez, Joao Pedro. Lineups are based on the most recent sources and may change before kickoff.

What time does Sunderland vs Chelsea kick off?

Sunderland vs Chelsea kicks off on Sunday, 24 May 2026 at 17:00 (Central European Time). The match is part of the Premier League.

Who is the referee for Sunderland vs Chelsea?

The referee for Sunderland vs Chelsea in the Premier League is Chris Kavanagh.

What are the key factors for Sunderland vs Chelsea?

Coach AI identifies three decisive factors for Sunderland vs Chelsea: 1. Chelsea's high offensive xG (averaging ~1.85 in recent games) vs. Sunderland's over-reliance on low-quality chances (league-low touches in the box). 2. Sunderland's set-piece mastery (44% of xG from dead balls) exploiting Chelsea's defensive fragility (15 consecutive games without a clean sheet). 3. The suspension of Sunderland's key center-back Dan Ballard, which weakens their disciplined low-block defense against Chelsea's dynamic front three..

What are the bookmaker odds for Sunderland vs Chelsea?

Bookmakers give Sunderland a 28% win probability, 26% draw and Chelsea 46% chance of winning. Coach AI estimates 28% for {{HOME_TEAM}}, 24% draw and 48% for {{AWAY_TEAM}}.

How does Coach AI predict this match?

Coach AI analyzes thousands of data points, including xG, recent form, team news, and tactical developments for every match.

How often are these football predictions updated?

Insights are updated daily to incorporate the latest developments, injuries, and market movements.

How accurate are the Coach AI predictions?

Coach AI has analyzed over 1,000 matches. In 50% of cases, the correct outcome (home win, draw, or away win) is predicted accurately. In more than 10% of matches, the exact final score matches the prediction — significantly above the market average.

What is Coach AI's track record?

Coach AI has predicted over 1,000 matches: 50% correct outcome, 10%+ exact final score. The model consistently outperforms standard probability calculations and gives football fans the data they need to make truly informed predictions.

What data does Coach AI use for its predictions?

Coach AI combines Expected Goals (xG), recent team form over the last five matches, head-to-head records, up-to-date injury news, and tactical match-up analysis. The model is updated daily so every prediction reflects the most current information available.