Sunderland and Chelsea’s predicted final finishes before final-day Stadium of Light showdown | OneFootball

Sunderland can secure European football on the Premier League’s final day with a win over Chelsea at the Stadium of Light, although their fate still hinges on results elsewhere.

According to Opta, the latest predicted final table has Sunderland ninth on 52.33 points and Chelsea 10th on 52.07 going into next weekend’s decider.

It is the climax to an unexpected surge for a side many expected to battle relegation after promotion via the Championship play-off final against Sheffield United. A European berth would be only the club’s second foray into continental competition.

Despite Sunday’s win at Everton, head coach Regis Le Bris urged focus in pursuit of a top-eight finish. He said the chance is on but not done, and warned that looking too far ahead becomes a distraction after a painful recent home setback against Nottingham Forest.

Opta’s model also projects Arsenal first and Manchester City second, with Manchester United third and Aston Villa fourth. Liverpool are fifth, Bournemouth sixth, Brighton seventh and Brentford eighth. At the other end, Tottenham Hotspur are 17th, West Ham United 18th, Burnley 19th and Wolverhampton Wanderers 20th.

Source: Sunderland Echo