With both their fates sealed for the season, it’s funny to think with what mindset will the new Premier League champions come out to play relegated side Sunderland on Sunday. Statistically, it will be the best team playing the worst team of the 2016-17 campaign. It will all be a formality for 90 minutes that would eventually lead to Chelsea’s trophy lifting ceremony.
Team News
Chelsea- With the FA Cup final to play in a week’s time, Blues manager Antonio Conte is likely to stick with his B-side, which saw off Watford last week in a nervy 4-3 win. We expect the Italian boss to keep some first team stars to feature in the last home game of the season though. Chelsea have hardly had any injury concerns throughout the season and nothing is changing on that front.
The only doubt for the game could be Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who is struggling with a back injury. Thibaut Courtois could also remain absent with an ankle problem with Asmir Begovic taking the role under the bar.
Sunderland- The Black Cats have more or less lost the purpose of playing this season anymore making the task for David Moyes all the more difficult. The Scotsman had to deal with numerous injuries throughout the season and the last day wouldn’t be any different. Against Chelsea, Sunderland are likely to miss out on winger Victor Anichebe and defender Jason Denayer, who are struggling to recover from their respective knocks.
Some positives could be the availability of George Honeyman and Steven Pienaar while the long-term absentees like Jan Kirchhoff, Duncan Watmore and Paddy McNair remain the same.
Predicted Line-ups
Chelsea- Begovic; Zouma, Terry, Ake; Azpilicueta, Kante, Chalobah, Kenedy; Willian, Hazard; Batshuayi
Sunderland- Pickford; Jones, O’Shea, Kone, Manquillo; Ndong, Cattermole; Larsson, Oviedo, Borini; Defoe
Key Players
Chelsea- Willian and Eden Hazard will be pulling the strings in the attacking third and given Sunderland’s nervy defence, they should have a pretty easy task at hand. Batshuayi, who had a pretty quiet season all term, would look to add to his tally.
Sunderland- Despite have a delicate defence, which crumbles under little pressure, Sunderland have a quality attack which could punish Chelsea on the counter if they let it loose. With Watford finding the net thrice at Stamford Bridge, the likes of Defoe and Borini will sure fancy taking their chances. Another huge obstacle for the Blues will be Sunderland keeper Jordan Pickford. He has been phenomenal this season.
Betting Odds
Chelsea @ 1.14
Draw @ 9.00
Sunderland @ 23.00
