Chelsea vs. Sunderland: Team News, Predicted Line-Ups, Live Stream and TV Info
The end of the season is here, and with nothing to play for at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, it's going to be a carnival atmosphere.
Chelsea fans will be preparing to celebrate as they watch Jose Mourinho's team officially crowned champions by lifting the Premier League trophy.
And Sunderland fans will be joining them in the party after the Black Cats secured their top-flight status with a goalless draw in midweek against Arsenal.
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Had Dick Advocaat's side not got that point, this game would have had a whole different complexion.
The drama will be elsewhere on Sunday, though, with all eyes fixed on Hull City and Newcastle United's results, with those two sides still threatened with relegation.
In their last home game of 2014/15, Chelsea will no doubt be wanting to put a show on for their fans after the 3-0 loss to West Bromwich Albion on Monday.
The result was in stark contrast to what we have seen for much of the campaign from Mourinho's side. Chelsea were off the pace and sloppy, allowing the Baggies to boss proceedings.
That's to be expected given much of the Chelsea squad has been on holiday since they sealed the title. Mourinho has given the players extended leave between matches, which they have deserved after a long campaign.
We can expect them to be more switched on here, however. Any points gained against Sunderland will do nothing for their league position, but Mourinho will want a victory after the Wearsiders ended Chelsea's title hopes last season.
Sunderland were battling another relegation scrap and their surprise 2-1 win—Mourinho's first-ever home defeat in the Premier League—significantly damaged Chelsea's title aspirations.
The mood will be different this time, but with pride at stake, Chelsea will want to put the record straight.
Date: Sunday, May 24
Time: 3 p.m. BST/10 a.m. ET
TV Info: Sky 1 (UK only)/NBCSN (U.S. only)
Live Stream: Sky Go (UK only)/NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S. only)
Team news
Jose Mourinho has given his youngsters some good opportunities since the Premier League was wrapped up, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek starting the last two games.
Now that Cesc Fabregas (suspension) and Eden Hazard (teeth) have joined Oscar, Kurt Zouma and Ramires on the sidelines, we can expect some more of the talented academy stars to feature here.
Andreas Christensen and Jeremie Boga are two players being mooted to feature at some point.
In goal, Petr Cech should start in what is expected to be his Stamford Bridge farewell, although he is still struggling with a calf complaint.
As for Sunderland, Costel Pantilimon damaged a knee in his excellent performance against Arsenal in midweek, so he could be replaced by Vito Mannone in goal.
Danny Graham has an ankle problem so he faces a late fitness test, but ex-Chelsea midfielder Liam Bridcutt, Wes Brown and Jordi Gomez are all out.
Last five games
| April 26 | Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea |
| April 29 | Leicester City 1-3 Chelsea |
| May 3 | Chelsea 1-0 Crystal Palace |
| May 10 | Chelsea 1-1 Liverpool |
| May 18 | West Bromwich Albion 3-0 Chelsea |
| April 25 | Stoke City 1-1 Sunderland |
| May 2 | Sunderland 2-1 Southampton |
| May 9 | Everton 0-2 Sunderland |
| May 16 | Sunderland 0-0 Leicester City |
| May 20 | Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland |
Players to watch
Diego Costa
Mourinho has spoken of Diego Costa's desire to end the season playing matches following his hamstring problems, and that was certainly evident against West Bromwich Albion.
Chelsea lacked an edge in attack on Monday, yet what they were missing, Costa more than made up for in fight.
The Spanish international was at his usual best when it came to frustrating the opposition defenders, and he made a nuisance of himself.
With one last game remaining, he will want to get the frustration of the past six weeks out of his system before heading off on his summer holidays.
Costa's had a good debut season in England, and we can expect to see him sign off in style.
Steven Fletcher
Had it not been for some bad luck in front of goal, Sunderland may well have come away from Arsenal with all three points and not just a draw on Wednesday.
Indeed, Steven Fletcher caused plenty of problems for the Arsenal rearguard, coming close on a few occasions.
He showed at the Emirates Stadium what a threat he can be, making some good runs off the ball. Fletcher found himself in good positions and was kicking himself for some near misses.
Not only that, had his teammates been more alert enough to pick him out, he may have had more chances come his way.
That was an encouraging performance, and while it's too late to impact 2014/15 significantly now, a good performance against the Premier League champions will lay the perfect foundation for next season.
Prediction
Chelsea 2-0 Sunderland
Odds
Home win: 4-11
Away win: 10-1
Draw: 9-2
First goalscorer: Diego Costa 3-1
*Odds via Oddschecker
Garry Hayes is Bleacher Report's lead Chelsea correspondent. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter @garryhayes
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