According to a report by Football.london on Friday November 6, 2026, Xabi Alonso has a big selection decision to make as Chelsea prepare to face Sunderland on Sunday.

The Blues are aiming for a fourth win in five Premier League matches after beating Manchester United 2-0 last weekend.

Estevão Willian played a key role in that victory. The 19-year-old recorded six shots the joint-most by a Chelsea player in a league match this season but twice saw his celebrations cut short by offside decisions.

Chelsea can expect a different test at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland’s physical approach may challenge the winger, who has so far had limited first-team minutes.

Alonso has previously cited the demands of English football as one reason for carefully managing Estevão’s involvement.

But his performance against United may have strengthened the case for a starting place. In a football.london survey of 4,319 supporters, 98 per cent said Estevão should start against Sunderland. One per cent disagreed, while another one per cent were undecided.

Alonso is expected to face questions about his team selection at Friday’s press conference. After the United match, he praised Estevão’s response after being told he would play.

“We spoke after Tottenham and he knew that he was going to be playing today,” Alonso said. “He showed that he deserves more and that he was prepared. That’s what you want from a football player.”

The Chelsea manager added that Estevão had connected well with the crowd and worked hard despite tiring late in the game.

Cole Palmer also backed his teammate, saying Estevão was unlucky not to score. “We know the talent he’s got and we all love him,” Palmer said. “Hopefully he can continue like that.”