Wednesday 16th August – 20:00 BST
🇪🇺 Europa League⚽
Sunderland vs. AZ Alkmaar
AZ Alkmaar face Sunderland on Wednesday evening looking to continue their unbeaten start to the season and make an early statement in the Europa League. While much of the focus in England has been on Sunderland’s first European home match in more than five decades, AZ arrive on Wearside in impressive form, having collected 16 points from their opening six Eredivisie matches and established themselves as one of the Netherlands’ early pace-setters alongside PSV Eindhoven writes Will Burns.
The fixture represents a significant test for Leeroy Echteld’s side. The current KNVB Beker holders have adapted well to the demands of balancing domestic and European football previously, and will see this trip as an opportunity to measure themselves against strong Premier League opposition.
SUNDERLAND
Sunderland have made a solid, if unspectacular, return to life in the Premier League following promotion in 2024/25 and secured a surprising European qualification, the club’s first venture into Europe since 1973. So far this season, manager Régis Le Bris has overseen a campaign that has produced four points from their opening four league matches, although their 14th-place position offers little indication of their overall performances.
The Black Cats suffered a setback against Arsenal at the weekend, where Reinildo’s red card compounded an already difficult afternoon. However, the left-back is available for European action, while Habib Diarra and Romaine Mundle remain unavailable through injury. Sunderland’s defensive record remains encouraging, with five goals conceded across their last four league fixtures, and the atmosphere inside a sold-out Stadium of Light, hungry for European football, is expected to provide a major boost.
With Granit Xhaka as captain, AZ should expect a physical side in Sunderland. The Swiss midfielder epitomises what they are about. They have developed a clear identity under Le Bris: they refuse to be controlled. They are among the most physical teams in the division and combine that aggression with an intense pressing game, and consistently looking to force opponents into uncomfortable situations rather than sitting off and protecting space. Even when teams attempt to create a numerical advantage during the build-up phase by dropping a midfielder into the back line, Sunderland remain committed to pushing forward and engaging opponents man-for-man.
That approach is unusual because most teams are reluctant to defend deep using full man-to-man marking. Sunderland, however, are prepared to take that risk. When opponents create a back three against their front line, they continue to press aggressively, with midfielders stepping out and defenders willing to follow runners into advanced areas. The aim is to force long balls and by turning matches into a constant battle for aerial duels, second balls and loose possession, Sunderland drag opponents into a contest that suits their physical strengths – especially the likes of Brian Brobbey up front or Dan Ballard at the back.
Sunderland’s aggressive mentality also shapes their play in possession. Much of their territorial dominance is built around direct deliveries into dangerous areas, particularly through Ballard, who is regularly targeted from long passes and set-piece situations. Long throws in the final third further reinforce this strategy, creating repeated opportunities for Ballard and other aerially dominant players to attack second phases. In open play, Sunderland possess an excellent outlet in Brobbey, whose ability to hold the ball up and bring runners into play allows the team to quickly gain territory. While they are capable of building more patiently through dropping midfielders and split centre-backs, their overall objective remains the same: advance the ball quickly, create chaos, and force opponents into a physical battle that few teams are comfortable facing.
AZ ALKMAAR
AZ’s season has gathered momentum quickly under Echteld. The Alkmaar club remain unbeaten in all competitions, having set the tone with an emphatic 4-0 victory over PSV, albeit they were down to ten men, in the Johan Cruyff Shield before continuing their strong league form. Their KNVB Beker triumph last season secured European qualification and confidence remains high within the squad.
There are some injury concerns ahead of the trip to the North East of England. Leading scorer Ro-Zangelo Daal is a doubt after picking up a knock against Willem II, while Mateo Chavez and Denso Kasius are also being assessed. Long-term absentee Stije Resink remains sidelined but even so, AZ continue to impress through the experience of Jordy Clasie and the attacking threat of Mexx Meerdink, who has stepped up following Troy Parrott’s summer big money move to Real Betis.
Generally operating in a flexible 4-2-3-1 formation that provides both attacking freedom and defensive stability, AZ to play at a high tempo, stretching the pitch through their wide players to create space in central areas. Much of their build-up play is orchestrated by Clasie, who acts as the deep-lying playmaker, while the attacking midfielder Kees Smit is given licence to operate between the lines and support the forward.
When out of possession, AZ quickly retreat into a compact shape, with centre-backs Wouter Goes and Lewis Schouten providing a physically imposing presence at the heart of the defence. The Alkmaar side are comfortable soaking up pressure and waiting for opportunities to break forward through direct passing and quick combinations. Their tactical flexibility allows them to vary both the tempo and their attacking approach depending on the situation.
Sunderland will need to pay particular attention to AZ’s threat in the wide areas. The pace and creativity of Calvin Stengs and Elijah Dijkstra down the right flank could pose problems for Nilson Angulo and Reinildo, potentially forcing the Sunderland pair into foul or card trouble. Likewise, on the opposite side, if fit, Ro-Zangelo Daal has the speed and directness to trouble right-back Nordi Mukiele.
ANALYSIS
This will be the first ever meeting between the clubs and presents an intriguing clash of styles. Sunderland’s emotional homecoming to European competition will undoubtedly create a hostile environment, but AZ arrive with considerably more recent continental experience and a squad accustomed to competing for silverware.
From a footballing perspective, AZ may have a slight edge. Their unbeaten start, strong defensive structure and ability to rotate effectively have been key factors in their rise this season. However, Sunderland’s home advantage should give them the edge, despite AZ possessing the technical quality and midfield control needed to handle difficult away assignments.
PREDICTION
Sunderland’s home advantage and the unique atmosphere generated by their first European fixture at the Stadium of Light in more than five decades could prove significant. However, AZ’s strong start to the season means this contest appears more evenly balanced than the odds suggest.
The hosts are expected to start aggressively in front of a packed crowd, making a Sunderland lead at both half-time and full-time an appealing option. That said, AZ have shown resilience throughout the season and will be capable of testing the home side.
A narrow score line looks plausible given the strengths of both teams. Sunderland’s matches have generally been competitive affairs, while AZ possess enough attacking quality to ensure they remain a threat throughout the contest.
Both sides have demonstrated consistent attacking output in recent weeks. Sunderland have found the net regularly in the opening stages of the season, while AZ have scored in each of their last five matches, suggesting there is a strong possibility of goals at both ends.
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