Chelsea remain in contention for Europa League qualification on the final day of the Premier League season. Calum McFarlane's side currently sit eighth in the table ahead of their trip to Sunderland on Sunday afternoon.
If Chelsea finish in eighth place, they would secure a spot in the UEFA Conference League next season. However, a place in the Europa League—a competition they have won in 2013 and 2019—is still achievable.
What Chelsea need for Europa League qualification
Chelsea's Europa League hopes depend on Brighton's result at home to Manchester United. If Fabian Hurzeler's side beat United, Chelsea cannot finish in the Europa League place.
Due to their superior goal difference over Brentford, if Chelsea beat Sunderland at the Stadium of Light and Brighton draw or lose to United, they will almost certainly finish seventh.
If Brighton lose to United by two goals and Brentford fail to win away to Liverpool, Chelsea can also finish seventh with a draw. However, a defeat for Chelsea would mean they fail to qualify for any European competition, as they would be overtaken by Sunderland.
European qualification scenarios
If Aston Villa finish fourth:
- Arsenal – Champions League
- Man City – Champions League
- Man Utd – Champions League
- Aston Villa – Champions League
- Liverpool or Bournemouth – Champions League
- Bournemouth, Brighton or Liverpool – Europa League
- Bournemouth, Brighton, Brentford, Chelsea or Sunderland – Europa League
- Brighton, Brentford, Chelsea or Sunderland – Conference League
If Aston Villa finish fifth:
- Arsenal – Champions League
- Man City – Champions League
- Man Utd – Champions League
- Liverpool – Champions League
- Aston Villa – Champions League
- Bournemouth or Brighton – Champions League
- Bournemouth, Brighton, Brentford, Chelsea or Sunderland – Europa League
- Brighton, Brentford, Chelsea or Sunderland – Conference League
Interim head coach McFarlane said: "It's going to be a great game. Both teams need to win as well. Sunderland have had a brilliant season. They're a really good side, a really challenging side, causing you problems. We need one more push, one more big game, three points, and hopefully get ourselves up that table. We're more than capable of going there and winning that game, but we know we have to be at our best to get three points because they're a very good side."
