Sunderland vs AZ Alkmaar – Match preview and team news

Sunderland is set to make its first appearance in European competition in over half a century when they host AZ Alkmaar in their opening Europa League fixture this season on Wednesday at the Stadium of Light. The match kicks off at 8pm BST. Sunderland, featuring a largely new squad after manager Régis Le Bris's heavy rotation in their recent domestic cup fixture, will have left-back Reinildo Mandava available despite his red card suspension from their recent Premier League defeat against Arsenal.

However, Sunderland will be without midfielder Habib Diarra due to a hamstring injury and winger Romaine Mundle, who is sidelined with a long-term knee issue. AZ Alkmaar, on the other hand, boasts an in-form squad but will miss midfielder Kees Smit due to a groin injury, right-back Denso Kasius with a groin problem, and midfielder Stije Resink due to a knee injury.

Despite these losses, AZ Alkmaar is expected to rely on its potent front line, led by Ro-Zangelo Daal, Mexx Meerdink, and Calvin Stengs. Sunderland's domestic form has been mixed, with two wins, one draw, and two defeats in their last five games.