Lech Poznań to host Sunderland in Europa League group stage on October 22

Lech Poznań will meet Sunderland AFC at the Municipal Stadium-Poznan on October 22 in their third league-phase match of the UEFA Europa League 2026-27. The Polish side go into the fixture under pressure after failing to win either of their opening two group games.

Lech Poznań have lost both of their first two matches in this season’s Europa League, a run that has left Niels Frederiksen’s team searching for a different approach at home. Frederiksen’s side will aim to use the Municipal Stadium-Poznan to arrest their European slide, with ball security flagged as a key concern ahead of the tie.

Sunderland arrive off the back of two positive group results, beating AZ Alkmaar 1-0 and Torreense 2-1, under manager Régis Le Bris. Their recent 0-2 league defeat to Bournemouth is noted as a possible disruption to momentum, and the visitors are expected to try to take control of the game early in Poznań.

Pablo Rodríguez was highlighted for his recent club form, producing what the source describes as a dominant outing in which he scored a brace and provided three assists. The 25-year-old is cited as an important midfield presence for Lech Poznań with goalscoring capability.

Granit Xhaka is identified as a senior presence for Sunderland; the 34-year-old skipper is expected to seek control in midfield, supplying long passes and breaking up opposition play. The source states Xhaka will be a constant threat when in possession.

Lech Poznań will be without Alex Douglas, Ali Gholizadeh, Joao Moutinho, Wojciech Monka and Allahyar Sayyadmanesh through injury, while Robert Gumy may miss out due to a lack of fitness. Sunderland will be without Daniel Ballard, Thomas Meunier and Romaine Mundle because of injuries, and Wilson Isidor is listed as not yet confirmed because of fitness issues.

Projected sides listed in the source are: Lis (GK); Pereira, Skrzypczak, Yegbe, Gurgul; Murawski, Kozubal; Walemark, Rodriguez, Palma; Ishak and Roefs (GK); Mukiele, Danso, Alderete, Reinildo; Xhaka, Sadiki; Hume, Rigg, Le Fee; Tuterov. The preview predicts Lech Poznan will seek their first Europa League win at home but suggests Sunderland are likely to take the three points, with the explicit score prediction: Lech Poznan 1-3 Sunderland.

The clash takes place at the Municipal Stadium-Poznan on October 22. In India, the match will be available on Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV; for ongoing coverage the source advises following Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube or via the Khel Now Android and iOS apps and community channels on WhatsApp and Telegram.