Sunderland vs AZ Alkmaar Lineups, Prediction, Betting Picks & Odds

Sunderland vs AZ Alkmaar Game Preview

Sunderland open their 2026-27 UEFA Europa League league phase against AZ Alkmaar on September 16, and the Stadium of Light hosts European soccer for the very first time.

This is Sunderland's first European campaign in 53 years, earned by a seventh-place Premier League finish last season. The Black Cats sit as clear home favorites for the opener.

AZ Alkmaar arrive in a rich vein of scoring, sitting near the top of the Eredivisie standings and carrying real threat as one of the more dangerous visitors in this pot.

With both attacks in good touch, this Matchday 1 tie carries plenty of intrigue: a proud home night for Sunderland against a confident Dutch side chasing an early European statement.

Sunderland vs AZ Alkmaar Recent Results

Sunderland ran into a wall last time out, beaten 2-0 at home by Premier League champions Arsenal while down to 10 men. Before that stumble, the Black Cats had won two and drawn one of their previous three across all competitions. Enzo Le Fée pulls the strings in the attacking third, and Brian Brobbey leads the line up top.

AZ Alkmaar are flying. They opened the Eredivisie season unbeaten across six games, winning five and drawing one, and only goal difference keeps them behind leaders PSV Eindhoven. Their attack has been ruthless, banking 17 goals in that stretch, with Calvin Stengs and forward Mees Meerdink providing the cutting edge.

Sunderland vs AZ Alkmaar Lineups & Team News

Injuries & Suspensions

Sunderland: Habib Diarra (Injured/out), Romaine Mundle (Injured/out)

AZ Alkmaar: Sem Resink (Injured/out), Ro-Zangelo Daal (Injured/doubtful), Mateo Chavez (Injured/doubtful)

Sunderland

Sunderland are without injured pair Habib Diarra and Romaine Mundle for this one. There is a boost in defense, though, as Reinildo is available again after his red card against Arsenal. Expect a strong side, with Enzo Le Fée and Brian Brobbey central to the home attack.

AZ Alkmaar

AZ Alkmaar have Sem Resink ruled out through injury, while Ro-Zangelo Daal and Mateo Chavez are both doubtful after picking up knocks against Willem II. Mees de Wit and Ayoub Oufkir are in line to step in if the pair miss out at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland vs AZ Alkmaar Predicted Lineup

Sunderland

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Probable Starting Lineup: Roefs; Mandava, Alderete, Ballard, Mukiele; Xhaka, Sadiki; Fofana, Le Fée, Meunier; Brobbey

AZ Alkmaar

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Probable Starting Lineup: Busser; de Wit, Schouten, Goes, Maikuma; Koopmeiners, Clasie; Oufkir, Kwakman, Stengs; Meerdink

Sunderland vs AZ Alkmaar Key Stats & Game Facts

• The moneyline has landed for Sunderland just 2 of their last 10 games against all opponents.
• An AZ Alkmaar win has cashed in 3 of their last 10 games against all opponents.
• AZ Alkmaar sit fourth of 36 in the Europa League form rankings, with Sunderland down in 33rd.
• Both Teams To Score is projected at a 61.4% implied probability, pointing to goals at both ends.
• Sunderland's projected margin sits at just over a goal, with home advantage the difference in a favored matchup.

Sunderland vs AZ Alkmaar Prediction & Best Picks

Our Prediction

Call it a 2-2 tie. Sunderland hold home advantage and carry an edge in the projected numbers at 61.16% to win, but AZ Alkmaar's attack is too dangerous to keep out entirely. Goals from both sides shape up as the most logical way this European opener plays out.

Best Picks

Back Dave Kwakman to commit over 1.5 fouls in the Player Fouls market. In the Player Fouls market, Kwakman is projected at a strong implied probability to commit at least two fouls in a demanding away midfield assignment. Playing behind the ball against a favored home side, he is likely to be scrapping and tugging all night.

Back Ayoub Oufkir to register over 1.5 shots in the Player Shots market. In the Player Shots market, Oufkir is placed with a favorable implied probability to land two or more attempts. With AZ Alkmaar's attack humming and this game shaping up as a high-volume affair, the winger should get his cracks at goal.

Sunderland vs AZ Alkmaar Same Game Parlay

This Same Game Parlay strings together Sunderland on the moneyline, Brian Brobbey anytime goalscorer, Both Teams To Score, and Mateo Chavez to be shown a card.

Sunderland are clear home favorites and get the nod on the moneyline, with the numbers handing the Black Cats a 61.16% implied probability to win at the Stadium of Light.

Brobbey leads the line and is the focal point of the home attack, so backing him to find the net anytime fits how Sunderland want to play.

Both Teams To Score reads well at a 61.4% implied probability. AZ Alkmaar have banked 17 goals in six domestic games, so keeping them scoreless is a tall order.

Chavez is battling a knock and, if passed fit, projects to contest plenty of physical duels at the back, carrying real booking risk in a game with edge.

At the time of writing, the best available price on this Same Game Parlay is +1150, while the shortest price elsewhere comes in at +909. Shop around and you are looking at a $24 swing in profit on a $10 stake.

Lock in the sharpest price on your Same Game Parlay using Oddschecker's Same Game Parlay Comparison Tool.

Same Game Parlay odds correct at time of publishing.

Sunderland vs AZ Alkmaar Talking Points

This is a landmark night on Wearside: the first European game ever hosted at the Stadium of Light since it opened in 1997, and Sunderland's first continental campaign in 53 years. Régis Le Bris has said his staff scouted AZ Alkmaar extensively and expects a demanding test from an energetic squad. With his players physically fresh early in the season and motivated for continental soccer, the Sunderland boss plans to field a strong side. The subplot is clear: a proud home crowd against a Dutch team that has scored freely all season, setting up an open, goal-friendly opener.

Sunderland vs AZ Alkmaar Predictions FAQs

When is the Sunderland vs AZ Alkmaar Europa League game?

The game takes place on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, kicking off at 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT.

Where is Sunderland vs AZ Alkmaar being played?

The game is being played at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland.

Where can I watch Sunderland vs AZ Alkmaar?

The game is scheduled for broadcast on channels including TNT Sports 1, Movistar Liga de Campeones, Sky Calcio, and Sky Sport Austria.

What is the team news for the Sunderland vs AZ Alkmaar game?

Sunderland will be without injured duo Habib Diarra and Romaine Mundle, while Reinildo is available for selection. AZ Alkmaar have Sem Resink sidelined through injury, with Ro-Zangelo Daal and Mateo Chavez listed as doubtful.

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