Chelsea XI vs Sunderland, Predicted lineup and team news

Chelsea travel to the Stadium of Light looking to build on a bounce-back win over Manchester United and consolidate fourth place in the Premier League.

Xabi Alonso’s side snapped a two-game losing run in all competitions with a 2-0 win over Manchester United last weekend, Morgan Rogers’s opener and a Cole Palmer penalty securing a result that doubled as Chelsea’s first home clean sheet since January. Chelsea remain the worst defensive side among the division’s current top 10, however, having conceded 15 goals in nine matches, and they have shipped eight in five away games this season, though just one of those came across their last two Premier League road trips.

Jorrel Hato, Maxence Lacroix, Reece James, Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro remain unavailable, though Alonso confirmed a triple fitness boost at his pre-match press conference, with Emiliano Martinez, Aaron Anselmino and Jordan Henderson all back in contention after injury and illness. Moises Caicedo is a doubt after missing training earlier in the week due to discomfort, meaning Henderson’s availability could prove crucial in midfield.

Cole Palmer will have a point to prove this weekend after being omitted from England’s squad for a further international window, and the playmaker is expected to continue in Chelsea’s number 10 role. Sunderland beat Chelsea twice last season, including a 2-1 win at the Stadium of Light on the final day that cost the Blues a place in Europe, their first double over the club since 2000-01.

Chelsea possible starting XI (4-2-3-1): Penders; Acheampong, Fofana, Colwill, Palestra; Henderson, Lavia; Estevao, Palmer, Rogers; Neto

The match kicks off at 14:00 GMT on Sunday, 8 November 2026.

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