Sunderland will kick off their first European campaign in 53 years on Wednesday night, as they take on a recognised Dutch outfit in AZ Alkmaar at the Stadium of Light.
The Black Cats head into this game following a 2-0 home defeat to Premier League champions Arsenal, whilst the visitors maintained their unbeaten domestic start with a draw against Willem II.
Sunderland have enjoyed a meteoric rise in the last five years, going all the way from the third tier in English football to now being on the cusp of a European adventure. The Black Cats have been mixed thus far in their results, with two wins from their five domestic matches, following up a recent 1-0 win against Hull City with a 2-0 defeat at home to Arsenal. Sunderland's home record in the Premier League has started to take a turn for the worse, with five defeats in their last nine dating back to last season.
Sunderland face a difficult trip to Manchester City at the weekend, but the home side will have the luxury of not having to travel from their European fixture. Regis Le Bris' side have their first home European fixture on home soil since beating Sporting Lisbon 2-1 in the first leg of a 1973 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup second-round tie.
AZ Alkmaar won't be easy opposition, given their domestic form lately. The Cheese Farmers are on a run of 19 matches without a defeat, having made an incredible start to the league season with five wins and a draw from their opening six matches. Only PSV are ahead of the visitors domestically on goal difference. The Dutch side have featured in European competition on eight occasions and last season they were beaten by Shakhtar Donetsk in the Conference League quarter-finals.
One player Sunderland will have to look out for is Ro-Zangelo Daal. The midfielder has scored four goals in six league matches this season, averaging 1.7 shots on target per game.
The home atmosphere could cause AZ issues, especially since they have only won three of their last 22 matches against English opposition, but the visitors have been excellent in recent matches.
We can see a 1-1 draw in this fixture.
Sunderland 1-1 AZ Alkmaar
