Sunderland vs Chelsea prediction 08.11.2026 | Premier League

Sunderland return to Premier League action after slipping to a surprise 2:0 home defeat against Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League on Thursday evening.

Luka Stojkovic opened the scoring in the 22nd minute before setting up Dion Drena Beljo for a second before the interval. 

Regis Le Bris made four half-time changes, but Sunderland were unable to fight back in a poor display at the Stadium of Light. 

Thursday’s reversal came on the back of a disappointing 3:1 defeat at Coventry last weekend. 

The out-of-form Black Cats have now failed to win five of their last six matches, but did claim a a dramatic 3:2 EFL Cup win against Brentford in that period. 

Now nine games into the Premier League campaign, the Black Cats sit bottom of the Premier League with only five points from nine fixtures. 

Le Bris' men have lost four of their last five Premier League matches and failed to score in three of their previous four league games.

The hosts have also struggled in front of their own supporters, failing to score in three successive home fixtures since a 1:0 win against Fulham in August.

Head coach Le Bris has several absentees this weekend. Omar Alderete is suspended following his dismissal at Coventry. 

Dan Ballard, Habib Diarra and Romaine Mundle remain sidelined with injuries, while Nordi Mukiele faces a late fitness assessment.

Chelsea travel to Wearside after securing a well-deserved 2:0 Premier League victory against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge last weekend.

Morgan Rogers opened the scoring with a superb solo goal five minutes after half-time before Cole Palmer converted a 64th-minute penalty. United defender Lisandro Martinez was sent off in another dismal display from the Reds.

A mixed run of form in recent weeks has seen the Blues win three and lose two of their last five games. The Blues suffered a shock 2:0 home defeat against local rivals Tottenham before an EFL Cup penalty shootout defeat at Liverpool. 

Earlier in October, Xabi Alonso's side recorded impressive league victories against Everton and Bournemouth, winning 2:0 at Goodison Park and 5:1 at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea come into this weekend’s fixture currently fourth in the Premier League with 16 points picked up from nine matches. 

The inconsistent Blues have won two of their four away league fixtures, scoring six goals but conceding seven. 

Spanish boss Alonso has several selection concerns. Reece James, Joao Pedro, Maxence Lacroix and Jamie Gittens remain unavailable, while Moises Caicedo and Jordan Henderson require late fitness tests.

Arginine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has returned to training after a jaw injury but is not ready to return to the squad.