Sunderland vs AZ Alkmaar Preview – prediction, team news, lineups | UEFA Europa League 2026-27

These clubs have never faced each other before.

Sunderland AFC will now have a face-off against AZ Alkmaar for their first league phase fixture of the UEFA Europa League 2026-27 campaign. The Stadium of Light is all set to witness this never-before-seen clash.

The Régis Le Bris-led side have put in some inconsistent performances since the start of the season. They are coming off a 0-2 defeat against Arsenal in the Premier League. The Black Cats failed to control the tempo of the game.

They also lacked urgency in the final third. Despite their 12 attempts, only three of them were on target. None of them found the way inside the net.

Being at home will surely give a slight confidence boost to Sunderland AFC. But they have to put in more effort and establish control from the beginning.

The Eredivisie club have been on a positive run of form at the moment. They have secured four wins in their last five matches. They will be eager to bring a similar run of form in the UEFA Europa League.

Lee-Roy Echteld’s men surely have to put in effort for the defence, but their form on the attacking front is looking on point.

Even though AZ Alkmaar will be away from home, they are not going to go down without a fight.

Kick-off:

• Location: Sunderland, England
• Stadium: Stadium of Light
• Date: Thursday, September 17
• Kick-off Time: 12:30 am IST (Wednesday, September 16; 07:00 pm GMT/ 03:00 pm ET/ 12:00 pm PT)
• Referee: Jérémie Pignard
• VAR: In use

Form:

Sunderland: L-W-D-W-L

AZ Alkmaar: W-W-W-W-D

Players to Watch

Granit Xhaka (Sunderland)

The 33-year-old will have an important role to play in the squad for Sunderland AFC. He helped his side take control in the midfield and also came up with the joint-most defensive contributions (11) against Arsenal. Granit Xhaka will now be ready to lead his side in the European competition.

He can come out on top as a game changer for the Black Cats.

Ro-Zangelo Daal (AZ Alkmaar)

Despite failing to score in the previous game for AZ Alkmaar, Ro-Zangelo Daal was a complete menace with his performance in the final third. He was a complete engine on the left flank for his side. He will be eager to come up with similar efforts once again.

Match Facts

• Sunderland have only managed one win in their last three games.
• AZ Alkmaar are unbeaten in their last 18 matches.
• This will be the first-ever outing between these clubs.

Betting Tips & Odds

• Sunderland to win @69/100 10bet
• Brian Brobbey to score @27/20 Unibet
• Goals under 3.5 @9/20 BetMGM

Injury and Team News

Habib Diarra and Romaine Mundle are not going to be in action for Sunderland AFC. They are injured.

AZ Alkmaar will not have Stije Resink and Denso Kasius in action. They are not fit enough.

Head-to-Head

Matches played: 0

Sunderland (wins): 0

AZ Alkmaar (wins): 0

Draws: 0

Predicted Lineups

Sunderland predicted XI (4-2-3-1)

Roefs (GK); Mukiele, Danso, Ballard, Reinildo; Xhaka, Sadiki; Meunier, Le Fee, Angulo; Brobbey

AZ Alkmaar predicted XI (4-2-3-1)

De Busser (GK); Dijkstra, Goes, Schouten, Chavez; Clasie, Koopmeiners; Stengs, Kwakman, Daal; Meerdink

Match Prediction

Both of these clubs will be looking to begin their Europa League campaign on a positive note. Sunderland AFC at home are going to have a slight edge, but the visiting AZ Alkmaar could put up a tough fight.

The Black Cats are likely to come out on top to secure a win in their upcoming contest.

Prediction: Sunderland 2-1 AZ Alkmaar

Telecast Details

India: Sony Sports Network, SonyLIV

UK: TNT Sports

Netherlands: Ziggo Sport

USA: Paramount+, DAZN, TUDN

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.