That made it four wins in a row across all competitions with Maresca’s side firmly put their disappointing 3-1 home defeat by Brighton behind them.
Now, they begin the weekend fifth in the table, five points off league leaders Arsenal, and just the one point adrift of the top four.
Sunderland, meanwhile, are flying since their promotion back to the top flight.
Regis Le Bris’ Black Cats were very active in the transfer market, picking up some notable names off the continent to supplement their play-off winning squad.
Former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka knits everything together in the engine room, while Nordi Mukiele and Omar Alderete have arrived to great acclaim in the back four.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Chelsea vs Sunderland is scheduled for a 3pm BST kick-off today, Saturday October 25, 2025.
The match will take place at Stamford Bridge, west London.
Where to watch Chelsea vs Sunderland
TV channel: In the UK, the game will not be televised live as it lands during the 3pm Saturday blackout.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog, with insight and analysis from Sam Tabuteau at Stamford Bridge.
Free highlights: The Sky Sports app and YouTube channel will show highlights from 5.15pm with Match of the Day broadcasting on BBC One at 10.25pm BST.
Chelsea vs Sunderland team news
He is set to miss out until at least next month, with Maresca recently putting a six-week timeframe on the England international’s absence.
Palmer’s compatriot Levi Colwill is out for the majority of the season with an ACL injury, while Dario Essugo is still missing after thigh surgery.
Centre-back Benoit Badiashile is another out with a muscular injury, and he will be sidelined until December, while Enzo Fernandez played against Ajax in midweek after a knee scare.
Malo Gusto is suspended after his red card at Forest, while Liam Delap is now back training but won’t be in contention until Wednesday’s trip to Wolves in the Carabao Cup. Mykhailo Mudryk remains unavailable.
Suspended: Malo Gusto
Getty Images
As for Sunderland, they also have a number of players out for this one. Big-money signing Habib Diarra is sidelined until December, while Leo Hjelde is also ruled out with an Achilles issue.
Winger Romaine Mundle and left-back Dennis Cirkin are also not expected to be involved with thigh and wrist injuries respectively, while Aji Alese is also out with an injured shoulder.
There is a boost, however, for Le Bris, with former Atletico Madrid defender Reinildo back from suspension after his red card against Aston Villa, where he kicked out at Matty Cash.
Chelsea vs Sunderland prediction
Seventh-placed Sunderland have been one of a handful of surprise packages this term, and perhaps the pick of the bunch.
They have quietly gone about their business, surreptitiously climbing the table and into European contention.
As already mentioned, they have plenty of weapons that can hurt Chelsea, but really, the Blues should still see this as a must-win game.
They have the firepower, regardless of their injury issues, and they have the form to go with it.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
Chelsea vs Sunderland match odds
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
