As the 2025/26 Premier League season draws to a close, Chelsea travel to the Stadium of Light on Sunday afternoon to face Sunderland in their final fixture. While the campaign has been underwhelming for the Blues overall, there is still significant motivation on the final day, with a victory potentially securing Europa League qualification depending on results elsewhere.
Interim head coach Calum McFarlane, who will hand over the reins to incoming permanent manager Xabi Alonso in July, faces some critical selection dilemmas for this decisive away clash.
Our Chelsea writers have debated the ideal starting XI, producing two compelling and contrasting options that could shape how Chelsea approach this must-win encounter.
Bobby Vincent’s Vision: Back to Basics with a Back-Three
For Bobby Vincent, the goalkeeper position is straightforward. Robert Sanchez is expected to start and finish the season as Chelsea’s number one.
Vincent advocates for a return to a back-three system, which would see Levi Colwill return to central defence after being rested for the recent win over Tottenham. He would be flanked by Wesley Fofana and Jorrel Hato, with Malo Gusto (assuming fitness) and Marc Cucurella operating as wing-backs.
In midfield, Moises Caicedo would partner the returning Reece James, providing a blend of defensive solidity and attacking thrust. Cole Palmer, fresh from international disappointment, would feature as the right-sided No.10, with Enzo Fernandez on the left. Leading the line as the lone striker would be Joao Pedro.
Bobby’s Predicted XI: Sanchez; Fofana, Colwill, Hato; Gusto, James, Caicedo, Cucurella; Palmer, Fernandez; Joao Pedro
Jake Stokes’ Approach: Aggression and Balance
Jake Stokes emphasises the need for Chelsea to seize control of the game from the outset. Like Vincent, he selects Robert Sanchez in goal and brings back Reece James and Levi Colwill to the defence, with Jorrel Hato and Marc Cucurella also featuring.
In central midfield, Stokes opts for Moises Caicedo and Andrey Santos as the double pivot, allowing Enzo Fernandez to push into a more advanced role. The front three would see Cole Palmer on the right, Pedro Neto on the left, and Joao Pedro leading the attack.
Stokes notes that Liam Delap struggled in the win over Tottenham, suggesting Shim Mheuka could be an impact substitute if a goal is needed late on.
Jake’s Predicted XI: Sanchez; James, Colwill, Hato, Cucurella; Caicedo, Santos; Palmer, Fernandez, Neto; Joao Pedro
The Palmer-Pedro Connection
Both writers agree on one crucial partnership: Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro starting together. Their recent celebrations (as captured in images from recent matches) have symbolised Chelsea’s brightest moments in an otherwise difficult season. The “agreement” between their styles — Palmer’s creativity and Pedro’s clinical finishing — could be the key to unlocking Sunderland’s defence.
With the season on the line, McFarlane must choose a lineup that balances defensive stability with attacking intent. Whether he opts for Vincent’s structured back-three or Stokes’ more fluid midfield setup, the message is clear: Chelsea must be bold if they are to end the campaign on a high and secure European football for next season.
The Stadium of Light will be rocking on Sunday. Can the Blues produce one final statement performance to salvage what has been a turbulent year?