Sunderland on the brink of Europe after stunning comeback win - what they need to happen

Chronicle Live · Ross Gregory

The Black Cats trailed through a first-half goal from Merlin Rohl but fought back in the second period and late strikes from Brian Brobbey, Enzo Le Fee and Wilson Isidor gave them a 3-1 win.

That was enough for them to leapfrog Everton and move into ninth spot, a point behind eighth-placed Brentford, who drew 2-2 at home to Crystal Palace. And with seventh-placed Brighton losing to Leeds United,

With one game left in the season, and with eighth potentially being enough to seal a place in Europe next season, it is all to play for. Here's what must happen for the Black Cats to qualify for the Conference League.

As Manchester City won the EFL Cup as well as the FA Cup this weekend, the Conference League place for winning the EFL Cup transfers to the Premier League.

As it stands right now:

Sunderland are ninth on 51 points. Brentford are on 52 points and have a +3 goal difference compared to Sunderland's -7. Chelsea, meanwhile, are in 10th spot but still have two games left to play as they were in FA Cup Final action this weekend. Everton and Fulham are 11th and 12th on 49 points.

Tuesday 19th May

Chelsea vs Tottenham

Sunday 24th May

Sunderland vs Chelsea

Brighton vs Man United

Liverpool vs Brentford

Tottenham vs Everton

Fulham vs Newcastle

The maths are now quite simple. Regardless of how Chelsea get on in their game in hand on Tuesday night, if Sunderland beat the Blues on Sunday in their last game, and Brentford fail to win at Liverpool or Brighton get beat by Man United, Regis Le Bris' side will finish in at least eighth position and qualify for the Conference League.

If they win their last game and both Brentford and Brighton lose, they will finish seventh and qualify for the Europa League.

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