- AZ Alkmaar have won 8 and drawn 2 of their last 10 matches in all competitions, a run that keeps them unbeaten.
- Sunderland have won 5, drawn 1 and lost 4 of their last 10 in all competitions.
- Sunderland have won 4 of their last 5 at home, scoring just 1.00 goal per game on average.
Sunderland can’t afford to slip up in Europa League opener
Sunderland have the pressure on them to get the job done on Wednesday, as they begin their UEFA Europa League 2026-2027 league-phase campaign against Dutch giants AZ Alkmaar.
Régis Le Bris has done a fantastic job getting his side organised and capable of adapting within their three-at-the-back system. They are a compact, tough to break down unit that can win the aerial battles and keep the ball well. However, they haven't looked fluent in front of goal of late, scoring just 1.00 goals per-game across their last five home matches.
The Black Cats' last two games have seen them win 1-0 at home to Hull City in the EFL Cup and lose 2-0 at home to Arsenal in the Premier League, a tough run that does display their two-faced quality.
Sweeping AZ can take the spoils
Sunderland are the favourites ahead of this game at 33/50, with the Draw at 3/1 and AZ at 18/5. The hosts are in decent form, but the visitors have been excellent of late and can nick a result at the Stadium of Light.
Leeroy Echteld has his side flying in a high-tempo 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 system, playing with width, pressing high and creating vertical passing lines. AZ have won eight of those games, so their front-foot approach is paying off.
They have won four of their last five away from home and are scoring 2.80 goals per-game on their travels, so they'll be confident of hurting Sunderland on Wednesday.
The value is on the Dutch
Over 2.5 goals at 7/10 looks the sharper secondary option, but I'm going with AZ at 18/5 for the main selection. They are unbeaten this season and should be able to take a result from this game.
Sunderland are certainly capable of winning the game, but they don't have the same quality as Arsenal or Manchester City and AZ are a better side than Hull. This should be a relatively even contest with two very different styles, so midfield control will be key.
