Sunderland begin their first European campaign since 1973-74 at the Stadium of Light on September 16 when they host AZ Alkmaar.

Black Cats Begin Historic European Campaign

Regis Le Bris will guide Sunderland into their first European campaign in over 40 years. The Black Cats have avoided defeat in three of their previous four fixtures, and have kept clean sheets in two encounters over that period.

Brian Brobbey scored once in his last five starts, and he was a constant threat in a recent defeat against Arsenal, registering the most touches in the opposition box (7).

Le Bris could hand a first start to Malick Fofana to provide a direct threat from wide this week. However, Habib Diarra will be unavailable due to injury.

Sunderland predicted lineup vs AZ Alkmaar (4-2-3-1): Roefs; Mukiele, Danso, Ballard, Reinildo; Xhaka, Sadiki; Fofana, Le Fee, Angulo; Brobbey

AZ Enjoying Reliable Start to New Season

Lee-Roy Echteld’s AZ Alkmaar will take plenty of positives from their start to the season, having recorded six wins in seven so far. An attacking strength has been displayed throughout the campaign, with at least three goals scored in four of their victories over the same period.

However, defensive weaknesses have been found in recent fixtures, allowing two goals in two of their previous three.

Ro-Zangelo Daal has enjoyed a productive start to the new campaign, with three goals scored in as many appearances. The visitors will be without Adam Ouaziz for the trip to the Stadium of Light this week.

AZ Alkmaar predicted lineup vs Sunderland (4-2-3-1): De Busser; Dijkstra, Goes, Schouten, Chavez; Kwakman, Koopmeiners; Patati, Smit, Daal; Meerdink

Sunderland vs AZ Alkmaar Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Under 3.5 Goals
  • Odds: 1.41 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: 9FVZT
  • Correct score prediction: Sunderland 1-0 AZ Alkmaar

Key stats:

  • Sunderland’s last seven fixtures have seen under 3.5 goals scored.
  • Black Cats have kept clean sheets in two of their previous three at home.
  • Three of AZ Alkmaar’s last six games have seen under 3.5 goals.

A low-scoring start to the Europa League season at the Stadium of Light should be expected this week. Sunderland have been defensively solid in home matches, keeping clean sheets in two of their last three. Each of their previous seven fixtures has seen under 3.5 goals scored.

AZ Alkmaar will face a more challenging rival than they are accustomed to this week. The fact that three of their last six domestic fixtures in the Netherlands have seen fewer than two goals scored should be respected.

Sunderland vs AZ Alkmaar Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Sunderland to Keep a Clean Sheet
  • Odds: 2.49 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: M3B9T

Sunderland will rely on their strong defensive record to get off to a winning start in their first European campaign in over 40 years. The Black Cats have thrived defensively this season, keeping clean sheets in two of their previous four.

They restricted Premier League champions Arsenal to just seven shots in a recent narrow loss. Sunderland have also kept clean sheets in 40% of their competitive home matches since the start of last season.

Verdict: Under 3.5 Goals (1.41) — Sunderland 1-0 AZ Alkmaar