Sunderland vs AZ Alkmaar Europa League Tips & Prediction - Black Cats return to European stage
Sunderland mark their return to European football after 53 years by facing Dutch side AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League. Despite Sunderland's strong home record and Alkmaar's poor record in the UK, a cagey affair with under 2.5 goals is expected. The value bet is on a draw, given the pressure on the hosts and AZ's current form. Both sides have key players missing, and fans should expect a tightly fought contest rather than a goal-fest.
- Sunderland vs AZ Alkmaar predictions for Wednesday's Europa League game
- Sunderland playing first European game in 53 years, value on the draw
- Under 2.5 goals the main play, Brian Brobbey the most likely threat for Sunderland
- The match is scheduled for kick off at 5.00am AEST on Thursday September 17
Sunderland vs AZ Alkmaar Europa League Tips & Prediction
Under 2.5 goals is the main betting angle as Sunderland mark their return to European football by hosting Dutch side AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League on Wednesday night, with good value on a share of the spoils.
Sunderland embark on their first European campaign in 53 years after finishing in seventh spot last season in the Premier League. It's been a remarkable rise back up the football ranks for the Black Cats, who were competing in the third tier of English football five years ago.
After pushing reigning champions Arsenal all the way in the EPL this past weekend, Sunderland will be hoping for a triumphant return on the European stage here.
They should be confident - Sunderland have lost just five of their last 22 games at the Stadium of Light, while Alkmaar have a terrible record against English opposition, losing all 11 such fixtures in the UK and winning just three of 22 overall.
However, Sunderland's odds of around $1.55 just don't do it for me. AZ have made a flying start to the Eredivisie and they look a formidable opponent, with the hosts under big pressure to perform at home.
So the draw at $4.20 odds looks appealing in the H2H market. A cagey affair wouldn't surprise me given the occasion, so Under 2.5 goals is the main play.
Former Ajax striker Brian Brobbey knows what it takes against Dutch opposition - he had a decent World Cup for the Netherlands and this looks like the perfect time to open his account for the new season.
Sunderland vs AZ Alkmaar Stats & Trends
- Sunderland have seen Under 2.5 goals in their last four games
- Sunderland have seen Under 2.5 goals in six of their last eight home games
- Sunderland drew 12 games in the EPL last season (equal third-most in the league)
- Sunderland are unbeaten in 17 of their last 22 home games
- AZ have lost all 11 games vs English teams on foreign soil
- AZ have won just three of their 22 games overall vs English teams
- Brian Brobbey scored three goals for Netherlands at the World Cup & has faced AZ 10 times throughout his career
Sunderland vs AZ Alkmaar Head To Head
This will be the first meeting between the two clubs and the first time Sunderland have faced Dutch opposition in Europe.
Sunderland Form Analysis
It's been a mixed start to the new Premier League season for Sunderland, who sit in 14th spot following one win, one draw and two defeats, while they also advanced into the next round of the EFL Cup with a 1-0 victory over Hull.
It was always going to be difficult for Sunderland to replicate their seventh-place finish from last season and the primary goal for this season should be to avoid a relegation battle while also making an impact in their first European campaign in over half a century.
Regis Le Bris's side produced an impressive display against Arsenal this past weekend, but ultimately their efforts went unrewarded as they went down 2-0 at home, conceding a late penalty. The Black Cats had more shots (12-11), more touches in the opposition box (26-19) and an equal three big chances created, but couldn't find a way through the Gunners' rock solid defence.
Sunderland Team News
Habib Diarra (thigh) and Romaine Mundle (knee) remain sidelined for Sunderland.
Reinildo Mandava was sent off against Arsenal, but will serve his ban domestically and is available here.
Ex-Ajax striker Brian Brobbey will be keen for a big game, while new recruit Malick Fofana could feature off the bench again.
AZ Alkmaar Form Analysis
AZ finished the Dutch Eredivisie in seventh spot last season, but qualified for the Europa League courtesy of their triumph in the KNVB Beker, crushing NEC 5-1 in the final.
It's been a flying start to the season for AZ - they demolished PSV 4-0 in the Johan Cruyff Shield before winning five and drawing one of their six league outings to hold a joint-share of top spot on the ladder.
The Cheese Farmers are coming off a 1-1 draw last weekend against Willem II.
AZ will be hoping for an improved showing against English teams on the continental stage - they lost to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park last term in the Conference League and were also upstaged on the road the previous season in the Europa League by Tottenham.
AZ Alkmaar Team News
Midfielder Kees Smit is in doubt with a groin injury, while right-back Denso Kasius (groin), midfielder Stije Resink (knee) and goalkeeper Hobie Verhulst (ineligible) are also unavailable.
Ro-Zangelo Daal is the main man for AZ - the 22-year-old winger has four goals in the league this term, along with contributing five goals in his last four European appearances (two goals, three assists).
AZ Alkmaar Possible Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Jari De Busser; Elijah Dijkstra, Wouter Goes, Lewis Schouten, Mateo Chavez Garcia; Jordy Clasie, Peer Koopmeiners; Ayoub Oufkir, Dave Kwakman, Ro-Zangelo Daal; Mexx Meerdink
Verdict
Under 2.5 goals is tipped at the Stadium of Light, with value on a draw. A good opportunity for Brobbey to open his account for the season.
Under 2.5
Total Goals
$2.15 - 2 Units
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