Sunderland’s Champions League hopes assessed after Europa League qualification | OneFootball

Sunderland are preparing for a first Europa League campaign after finishing seventh in the Premier League, securing only the second European qualification in their history. The Stadium of Light will host European football for the first time.

A home win over Chelsea on Sunday, coupled with Brentford and Brighton and Hove Albion dropping points against Liverpool and Manchester United, clinched their place. According to Sunderland Echo, Betfair’s early prices make Sunderland 66/1 to finish in the top four in 2026/27 and 2/1 for relegation.

Last summer’s recruitment did much of the groundwork, and there is a need for further strengthening during the close-season, with the hierarchy looking to give Régis Le Bris a squad that can handle a heavier programme.

Their campaign could bring marquee ties, with possible opponents including Olympique Marseille, Bayer Leverkusen, AC Milan and Juventus.

In the top-four market, Arsenal are 1/14, Manchester City 2/9, Liverpool 2/5 and Manchester United 4/9, with Chelsea 11/10 and Aston Villa 5/2. Newcastle United are 15/2 and Tottenham Hotspur 8/1, while Brighton and Hove Albion are 12/1.

At the other end, Hull City are 1/4 to go down, with Coventry City 8/13 and Ipswich Town 4/6. Crystal Palace, Leeds United and Fulham are 11/2, Nottingham Forest 6/1 and Brentford 7/1, while AFC Bournemouth and Everton are 9/1.

Source: Sunderland Echo