Sunderland and Chelsea predicted finishes before final day meeting | OneFootball

Sunderland can secure European football when they face Chelsea on the final day, and Opta's latest model puts the Black Cats narrowly ahead.

The projection places Sunderland ninth on 52.33 points and Chelsea 10th on 52.07.

It would mark only the club's second venture into Europe, unthinkable at the season's start when survival was the talk after winning the Championship play-off final against Sheffield United. With 90 minutes left in their first campaign back, the Stadium of Light will stage the showdown.

After Sunday's win at Everton, head coach Regis Le Bris urged his players to stay on task, saying it is on but not done. He warned that dreaming becomes a distraction, pointing to a painful recent lesson at home against Nottingham Forest.

At the top, the model has Arsenal first on 83.52 points and Manchester City second on 80.72, with Manchester United third on 69.19 and Aston Villa fourth on 62.84.

Sunderland's bid for Europe now rests on beating Chelsea and results elsewhere falling their way.

Source: Sunderland Echo