Sunderland vs Chelsea Prediction: European nights on the line for both teams

The Premier League final day sees Sunderland host Chelsea (4pm BST, live on Sky Sports +) at the Stadium of Light, with the Black Cats still in with a chance of securing a top-half finish.

The visitors need a result to secure European football next season, and come into this one off the back of a win over Tottenham Hotspur. Read on for my Sunderland vs Chelsea predictions.

Team News

Omar Alderete is a doubt for the hosts due to a groin injury, while Bertrand Traore and Romaine Mundle are both also expected to miss out here.

Daniel Ballard continues to serve a suspension, meaning that Luke O'Nien could start alongside Nordi Mukiele at the heart of the defence.

As for the visitors, Joao Pedro missed Chelsea's win over Spurs due to a knock so his availability remains unclear, while Reece James - who also missed the Spurs win - is in a race against time to be fit for Sunday's trip to the Stadium of Light.

Romeo Lavia and Levi Colwill both remain sidelined.

Sunderland vs Chelsea Odds

Sunderland are 5/2 to claim all three points, the draw is 13/5 and Chelsea are EVENS to take all three points back to Stamford Bridge, giving them an implied win probability of 50%.

Both Teams to Score - Yes can be backed at 4/6, and Sunderland won the reverse fixture between the sides back in October 2-1 - a repeat of that scoreline is available at 10/1.

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Both Teams to Score - Yes @ 4/6

With a potential European spot up for grabs for both sides, I'm expecting an open game from the off at the Stadium of Light, meaning plenty of goals.

Chelsea will begin a new era next season under Xabi Alonso, but Sunday's result could play a huge part in determining what kind of environment the former Real Madrid boss comes into. Sunderland can leapfrog the Blues with a win, making this clash all the more intriguing.

Both Teams to Score - Yes has been a winning pick in 10 of the last 12 head-to-heads between the pair, and this bet was also a winner in the reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge.

In addition, Sunderland have scored in 14 of 18 home games this term and Chelsea have found the net in five of their last six.

Cole Palmer - Anytime Goalscorer @ 13/8

After missing out on the England squad for the World Cup, Cole Palmer will have a point to prove on Sunday, and he makes for an appealing Anytime Goalscorer pick.

The English midfielder has scored nine goals, had 23 shots on target and has generated an xG of 10.70 in the Premier League this season. The 24-year-old looks the most likely goal threat for the Blues with Joao Pedro a doubt.