Sunderland to host AZ Alkmaar in UEFA Europa League opener at Stadium of Light on September 16

Sunderland AFC will face AZ Alkmaar at the Stadium of Light in their opening league-phase fixture of the UEFA Europa League 2026-27 on September 16 (BST). The match represents the Black Cats’ first group-stage outing in the competition.

Régis Le Bris’s side arrive off the back of a 0-2 Premier League loss to Arsenal, a match in which Sunderland registered 12 attempts but managed only three on target and failed to score. The report states the Black Cats struggled to control the tempo and showed a lack of urgency in the final third, and playing at home is expected to offer a slight confidence boost while they work to establish control from the start.

AZ Alkmaar come into the fixture on a positive run, having won four of their last five matches under Lee-Roy Echteld and seeking to carry that form into Europe. The source notes AZ’s attacking play has been effective, though it says the visitors must put in more effort defensively ahead of the trip to England.

Granit Xhaka, described in the report as 33 years old, is singled out as an influential figure for Sunderland; the article says he helped his side take control in midfield and produced the joint-most defensive contributions (11) against Arsenal. "All smiles from the skipper 🥰 pic.twitter.com/qP8iwz7vVo"

For AZ, Ro-Zangelo Daal did not score in his previous match but was credited with being a persistent threat in the final third and an engine on the left flank. Sunderland will be without Habib Diarra and Romaine Mundle through injury, while AZ are missing Stije Resink and Denso Kasius because they are not fit enough, according to the preview.

Projected starting lineups provided in the source list Sunderland as: Roefs (GK); Mukiele, Danso, Ballard, Reinildo; Xhaka, Sadiki; Meunier, Le Fee, Angulo; Brobbey. AZ Alkmaar are shown as: De Busser (GK); Dijkstra, Goes, Schouten, Chavez; Clasie, Koopmeiners; Stengs, Kwakman, Daal; Meerdink.

Both clubs are described as aiming for a positive start in the Europa League, with the preview giving Sunderland a slight home advantage while acknowledging AZ could pose a tough challenge; the article's prediction is: Sunderland 2-1 AZ Alkmaar. India broadcast information is listed as Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV.

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