We wrap up our 2025/26 campaign on Wearside, where victory for the Blues – coupled with Brighton & Hove Albion failing to beat Manchester United and Brentford not defeating Liverpool by a big margin – would guarantee us a UEFA Europa League place.

That will be the aim for the Blues players and McFarlane, who has opted to make three alterations to the side that began our midweek victory over Tottenham Hotspur, with a potential switch to a back three.

Levi Colwill returns to the team in place of Josh Acheampong and could line up at the back alongside Wesley Fofana and Jorrel Hato. Marc Cucurella also retains his place, but is joined by Malo Gusto, as Andrey Santos also makes way.

Enzo Fernandez will captain the Blues from midfield, next to Moises Caicedo. Pedro Neto and Cole Palmer continue in the attack, supporting Joao Pedro, who replaces Liam Delap to come back into the team and lead the line.

Reece James is only included among the substitutes, and teenage winger Jesse Derry is named on the senior bench again.

Chelsea: Sanchez; Fofana, Colwill, Hato; Gusto, Caicedo, Fernandez (c), Cucurella; Palmer, Neto; Joao Pedro

Substitutes: Jorgensen, Acheampong, Chalobah, James, Essugo, Santos, Derry, Garnacho, Delap