Line-ups, stats and previews as Black Cats and Blues battle for Europe

Sunderland and Chelsea meet on the Stadium of Gentle with either side seeking to safe a spot in European soccer for subsequent season.

Having overcome Tottenham 2-1 on Tuesday, Chelsea head to Wearside in eighth place within the Premier League desk and primed to make sure Xabi Alonso will likely be inheriting a group in a European competitors. Eighth would safe a spot within the Convention League, which Chelsea received final season, whereas seventh could be ok for Europa League soccer.

The Blues will transfer into seventh with a win if Brighton and Hove Albion fail to beat Manchester United. A draw will likely be sufficient for eighth if Brentford fail to win at Liverpool.

Chelsea would certainly want Europa League soccer as it will open up an additional potential pathway into the Champions League.

Against this, Sunderland could be delighted with any type of European soccer to cap an outstanding first season again within the high flight.

Sunderland have made only a single look in continental competitors, which got here within the 1973-74 European Cup Winners’ Cup after their FA Cup conquer Leeds United the earlier season.

A win will likely be sufficient for Sunderland to at the very least end eighth and get into the Convention League, except each Brighton and Brentford win their respective video games.

And supervisor Régis Le Bris is relishing the chance to put in writing one other chapter within the membership’s historical past by finishing a double over the Blues.

“This sport is an effective alternative to have fun the season at dwelling in entrance of our followers,” Le Bris stated.

“On the minute, we have now 51 factors and the chance to get three extra, which is spectacular for our first season again within the Premier League.

“We’ve grown, realized, improved and struggled at instances which is regular within the league. If every part aligns elsewhere, possibly one thing distinctive can occur, however it’s not absolutely in our arms.”

Crew information for Sunderland v Chelsea

Sunderland will likely be with out Chemsdine Talbi on account of a muscle harm, whereas Omar Alderete is a doubt after sustaining a knock within the win at Everton.

Chelsea talisman João Pedro and defender Levi Colwill are each in rivalry to return for the Blues, as is Reece James after being rested towards Tottenham.