Chelsea vs Sunderland: Premier League 2025/26 Pre-Match Report

Karun Abraham

Content Writer

The Premier League weekend kicks off with an interesting clash between Chelsea and Sunderland at Stamford Bridge on 25th October 2025. The Blues have been on a roll these past few weeks and they are aiming to maintain that consistency and win this against Sunderland, while on the other hand the newly promoted away team is fearless and is looking to make a statement against one of English football’s generational heavyweights.

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Form Guide & What’s at Stake

Chelsea have pieced together encouraging performances without always landing the knockout blow. Their structure is cleaner, the pressing more coordinated, and the chance creation trending upward. What they need now is ruthlessness: a home win here would steady their push toward the European places and build rhythm ahead of a congested calendar.

Sunderland have embraced the Premier League with bravery. The pace and ambition are there, but fine margins have punished them—particularly away from home. Any point at Stamford Bridge would be a marker of growth; a win would be season-defining.

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Team News Snapshot

Chelsea still manage a few fitness question marks.

• Cole Palmer (groin) remains a doubt.
• Enzo Fernández has been monitored for knee irritation.
• Reece James is close but may be eased back.

Expect senior heads to anchor the spine: Thiago Silva with either Disasi or Colwill, a busy midfield anchored by Conor Gallagher, and an attacking trio built around Raheem Sterling, Noni Madueke, and Nicolas Jackson to stretch the back line.

Sunderland arrive in decent health but with notable caveats.

• Dan Ballard misses out through suspension.
• Patrick Roberts faces a late check.

Creative responsibility falls to Jack Clarke and Jobe Bellingham, with Nazariy Rusyn (or a like-for-like option) tasked with occupying Chelsea’s centre-backs and finishing the limited looks they’ll expect to get.

Tactical Preview

Chelsea’s plan: Expect controlled possession with plenty of width. The Blues will use full-backs high and wide to pin Sunderland’s wingers, while the midfield box creates central overloads to slip runners between the lines. Immediate counter-pressing after turnovers is vital—deny Sunderland’s first pass out and the visitors’ transitions lose bite. Stamford Bridge will also be a huge part for Chelsea, the supporters will keep the pressure on Sunderland making it an even more interesting match to witness, for fans who want to be part of this exciting matchday book your tickets via 1BoxOffice for the best deals possible. Book now!

Sunderland’s plan:The plan most probably is the classic compact mid-block then quick release for attacks. The Black Cats know they can not tackle possession from Chelsea so instead use the mistakes Chelsea makes and utilise those to funnel some goals forward. With Clarke and Bellingham running their third man ruins Sunderland might have a chance to score and maybe even get a win.

Key Matchups

• Raheem Sterling vs Trai Hume: Sterling’s movement inside-out against Hume’s positioning and recovery speed. If Sterling wins territory early, Chelsea’s left-side overloads open the box.
• Conor Gallagher vs Jobe Bellingham: Chelsea’s engine versus Sunderland’s connector. Tempo, second balls, and who wins the “messy” midfield moments will shape the game state.
• Nicolas Jackson vs Luke O’Nien: Jackson’s runs across the near post and into channels can unpick a disciplined but reshuffled Sunderland centre.
• Jack Clarke vs Chelsea’s right flank: Clarke is Sunderland’s spark. If he isolates 1v1s and draws fouls, the visitors gain territory and time.

Prediction

Quality, depth, and home advantage lean one way, even if Sunderland’s energy keeps this honest.

Predicted Score: Chelsea 3–1 Sunderland

Chelsea’s control and volume of chances should tell in the second half, while Sunderland’s ambition merits at least one moment on the break or from a dead ball. Book your Premier League tickets via 1BoxOffice and get verified tickets, SSL security, and so much more.