Sunderland’s European chances predicted by supercomputer ahead of Chelsea clash
Sunderland know that anything less than a win against Chelsea will deny them their European dreams.
A campaign full of positivity draws to a close on Sunday, when Sunderland welcome Chelsea to the Stadium of Light in arguably their biggest game since 2014.
Both sides enter the game with hopes of qualifying for Europe, level on 52 points after 37 games.
The Black Cats have had an excellent campaign, and are looking to make the impossible come true, though only a win will be enough to achieve it.
And ahead of this weekend’s fixtures, Opta’s supercomputer has had its say.
Sunderland permutations explained and predicted
As stated above, Sunderland need to win. If they fail to do so, their season will end there and then with no European football.
In regard to that, the Black Cats are already up against it, with Opta having handed them a 27.5 per cent chance of victory, compared to Chelsea’s 47.4.
However, if they were to defy those odds and win the game, they will still be looking for Brighton and/or Brentford to drop points.
If Brentford drop points but Brighton don’t, then Sunderland will qualify for the Conference League, but if Brentford fail to win and Brighton lose, then it will be the Europa League for Sunderland.
Brentford have been handed just a 25.7 per cent chance of victory away to Liverpool, while Brighton have a 50.1 per cent chance of taking all three points against Man United.
What has Regis Le Bris said ahead of Chelsea game?
Regis Le Bris remained coy in his latest press conference, as he has done since the moment he first stepped through the doors at the Stadium of Light.
He is well aware of the rewards that a win on Sunday could bring, while also being just as aware that they will have to rely on results elsewhere.
Ahead of the game, he said: “If everything aligns elsewhere, maybe something exceptional can happen, but it’s not fully in our hands.”
Sunderland have achieved plenty over the last 12 months, and this could prove to be the cherry on top that fans have so often dreamed about.