Sunderland welcome Chelsea to the Stadium of Light on the final day of the Premier League season, with both clubs chasing a European place and Calum McFarlane overseeing his last match as Chelsea manager.

What's at stake

Seventh place is the prize both sides are targeting — a position that guarantees UEFA Europa League football next season. Eighth place, meanwhile, earns a spot in the UEFA Conference League. Brighton & Hove Albion currently occupy seventh and face Manchester United in their final fixture, meaning the door remains open on Wearside.

Sunderland sit bottom of the top half of the table but would climb above Chelsea with a victory. Brentford's clash with Liverpool also carries weight, as it could influence the number of UEFA Champions League spots available and, by extension, how far down European qualification extends.

Sunderland's remarkable first season back

The Black Cats are in their first campaign back in the Premier League, and a European finish would represent an extraordinary achievement. Of the six clubs promoted before them, every single one suffered relegation — making Sunderland's position all the more striking.

Regis Le Bris has his side unbeaten in three matches, most recently a convincing 3-1 victory over Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Sunderland are not simply making up the numbers on the final day.

Chelsea's turbulent run-in

Chelsea arrive on Wearside having endured a torrid stretch — a seven-match winless run that included six consecutive defeats, before Tuesday's victory over Tottenham Hotspur offered some relief. The Blues will be eager to hand Xabi Alonso, who takes over in July, something positive to build on.

Failure to secure European football from this position would be a deeply uncomfortable conclusion to the season for a club of Chelsea's resources and ambition.

Match details and how to watch

The match kicks off at 4:00pm BST on Sunday, 24 May 2026, at the Stadium of Light. In the UK, coverage is live on Sky Sports. Fans in the United States can watch on Peacock Premium, with plans from $10.99 a month. Australian supporters can stream the game through Stan Sport, which carries every Premier League fixture this season.

US viewers also have access to a free stream via NBCSN on YouTube TV, which is currently offering a 10-day free trial.

Prediction

With European places, managerial legacies, and a historic first season all on the line, this is a final day fixture that demands attention. FourFourTwo predicts a 2-2 draw — though news filtering in from Brighton could yet change what that result means for everyone involved.