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Sunderland open their Europa League campaign against AZ Alkmaar at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday night.
The Black Cats put in a spirited performance against Premier League champions Arsenal last weekend, but lost 2-0 in front of their home fans.
Meanwhile, AZ dropped their first points of the Eredivisie season with a 1-1 draw at home to Willem II, after winning their first five league games.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Sunderland vs. AZ Alkmaar key stats
- Sunderland's loss against Arsenal ended a four-game unbeaten home run (W3, D1).
- AZ are unbeaten in all competitions this season (W6, D1).
- AZ have lost all 11 previous UEFA matches in England.
Sunderland vs AZ — Tale of the Tape
| Sunderland | vs | AZ |
|---|---|---|
| 14th (Premier League) | Position | 2nd (Eredivisie) |
| 4 | Points | 16 |
| 3 | Goals For | 17 |
| 5 | Goals Against | 6 |
| 1 | Clean Sheets | 2 |
| 10th | Home / Away Rank | 4th |
Sunderland will make history by participating in their first European game since 1973, where they featured in the Cup Winners' Cup.
They were rewarded with European football after an excellent Premier League finish of seventh in the season they came up from the Championship.
Regis Le Bris is now tasked with balancing the European campaign with their domestic season, and they will want to get off to a good start after only picking up four points from their first four Premier League matches.
Reinildo is available as his domestic ban does not carry into Europe, but Habib Diarra and Romaine Mundle remain out.
As for AZ, they have three injuries in their squad, but it should not matter too much given their strong start.
Indeed, they have won six of seven games in all competitions this season, drawing the other, and remain unbeaten.
Premier League opposition will provide a tough test for them though, and their record at English grounds is abysmal with 11 defeats in UEFA competitions.
Lee-Roy Echteld will relish the test for his team though, and could surprise a few at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland vs. AZ Alkmaar form guide & betting tips
| Sunderland | vs | AZ |
|---|---|---|
LWDWL |
Form | WWWWD |
| 4 | Goals For | 15 |
| 5 | Goals Against | 6 |
N/A |
Europa League | N/A |
Whispers predicts: Sunderland 2-2 AZ Alkmaar
Sunderland are 4/6 (1.67) favourites to win, but given AZ's strong form, we are backing the visitors to get a result.
Double chance – Draw/AZ at 5/4 (2.25) is our first pick in that case, while BTTS – Yes at 3/4 (1.75) is a safer pick with Sunderland playing at home but AZ so free-scoring.
Over 3.5 goals at 9/5 (2.80) is our final bet, with AZ's last five games producing 21 total goals.
Overall, we are predicting a 2-2 draw, which is available at 14/1 (15.00).
> BTTS – Yes at 3/4 (1.75) | Likelihood: Probable
> Double chance – Draw/AZ at 5/4 (2.25) | Likelihood: Possible
> Over 3.5 goals at 9/5 (2.80) | Likelihood: Possible