won 521 of 864 settled BTTS picks · +264.4u profit · this pick: BTTS: Yes @ 1.71 · 4 units
⚡ Why this pick
AZ 5-2 Go Ahead Eagles both scored
AZ 2-3 Heerenveen both found net
Sunderland 1-1 Brentford goals at both ends
Sunderland will attack vs AZ Alkmaar
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Sunderland
4-2-3-1
● Confirmed
18
↓67′
Isidor
39
↓67′
Fofana
28
⚽
Le Fee
32
↓67′
Hume
34
Xhaka
27
Sadiki
17
Reinildo
15
↓52′
Alderete
4
↓84′
Danso
20
Mukiele
22
Roefs
Bench (13)
Daniel Ballard ↑52′ · Brian Brobbey ↑67′ · Nilson Angulo ↑67′ · Thomas Meunier ↑67′ · Chris Rigg ↑84′ · Dayann Methalie · Luke O'Nien · Simon Moore · Jules Ahoka · Jenson Jones · Timur Tuterov · Romaine Mundle · Habib Diarra
Coach · Regis Le Bris
Match Preview
Sunderland vs AZ Alkmaar Match Preview
AI-written editorial preview · updated 2026-09-14 19:42 UTC
Sunderland and AZ Alkmaar clash in Europa League opener
The tactical intrigue of this Europa League matchday 1 encounter at the Stadium of Light lies in how Sunderland’s measured domestic approach will contend with the high-scoring fluidity of AZ Alkmaar. As these two sides meet on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, the battle for control in the central areas will likely dictate the tempo of the evening.
Tactical setups and midfield control
Sunderland are expected to lean on the experience of Granit Xhaka and Enzo Le Fee to anchor their midfield, providing a platform for the attacking movement of Wilson Isidor and Malick Fofana. Their setup prioritizes defensive structure, as seen in their recent domestic outings where they have looked to keep games tight and minimize space for opponents.
In contrast, AZ Alkmaar arrive with a reputation for aggressive, forward-thinking football. With Jordy Clasie and Peer Koopmeiners expected to pull the strings in the middle, the Dutch side will look to bypass the hosts' press quickly to feed their attacking trio. Their ability to transition from defence to attack at pace will be the primary challenge for the Sunderland backline.
Key personnel to watch
For the visitors, the focus will be on the attacking output of Ro-Zangelo Daal, who has been in exceptional form recently, finding the net five times in his last seven appearances. Alongside him, Mexx Meerdink remains a constant nuisance for defenders, having been directly involved in five goals during the team's last 10 matches.
Sunderland will look to Chris Rigg and Luke O'Nien to disrupt this rhythm. Their work rate off the ball will be essential in preventing the AZ Alkmaar creative players from finding pockets of space in the final third. The hosts will hope that the defensive pairing of Omar Alderete and Trai Hume can maintain the discipline required to stifle such a potent attack.
Impact of team news
Sunderland head into this opening European fixture with the confirmed absence of Romaine Mundle, who is sidelined through injury. This loss forces a slight reshuffle in the attacking ranks, putting more pressure on the expected starting forward line to be clinical when opportunities arise.
AZ Alkmaar appear to have a more settled squad, with their expected lineup featuring a blend of established talent like Calvin Stengs and emerging threats. Maintaining this consistency will be vital as they navigate their first away trip of the competition in a hostile environment.
Recent form and momentum
Sunderland’s recent results have been a mixed bag, including a hard-fought win over Hull City in the EFL Cup and a narrow defeat to Arsenal in the Premier League. They have shown an ability to grind out results, but they will need to elevate their performance level to match the intensity required for European competition.
AZ Alkmaar enter the match on a strong run, having secured high-scoring victories against the likes of SC Heerenveen and Go Ahead Eagles in the Eredivisie. Their confidence in front of goal is high, and they will be looking to carry their domestic momentum into the European stage to make a statement in this opening group match.
