Sunderland vs AZ Alkmaar – Prediction, Where to Watch, Kick-off Time and Lineups 16-09

Sunderland and AZ Alkmaar face off in the opening match of the UEFA Europa League 2026/27 league stage. The match kicks off on Wednesday 16 September at 19:00 (GMT) at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland.

This Sunderland vs. AZ Alkmaar fixture marks the hosts’ long-awaited return to European competition after more than 50 years. The Dutch side will be looking to break their poor record on English soil, having lost all their previous European away games against English opposition.

Find out where to watch the match and what our expert predictions are, as well as the expected lineups for today’s encounter.

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Sunderland or AZ Alkmaar to win

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Sunderland x AZ Alkmaar Odds

Bookmaker	1	X	2
Betfred	1.53	4.33	6.00
BetMGM	1.46	4.60	6.75
BetVictor	1.40	4.50	7.00
BetUK	1.44	4.60	6.75

Odds are subject to change

Odds are subject to change.

Match Overview - Sunderland vs. AZ Alkmaar

• Sunderland returns to European football after over 50 years, kicking off their UEFA Europa League campaign at the Stadium of Light. The Black Cats aim to build on a mixed domestic season.
• AZ Alkmaar travels to England in excellent form, unbeaten in their last five games across all competitions. However, the Dutch side has a poor record, losing all 11 previous European matches away to English teams.
• This marks the first-ever competitive meeting between Sunderland and AZ Alkmaar, setting the stage for an unpredictable encounter and a fresh start in the competition for both clubs.

SunderlandSUN

VS

AZ AlkmaarAZ

Recent Results(Last N Matches)

VLVEV

0Vit.0Emp.0Vit.

|

LEVVV

Season Stats

45%Both Teams to Score64%

2.5Total Goals3.5

64%Goals Conceded73%

1.5Goals Scored2.5

Head-to-Head Record

• This is the first-ever competitive meeting between Sunderland and AZ Alkmaar.
• Sunderland are playing their first European match in over 52 years, since the 1973-74 season.
• AZ Alkmaar have lost all 11 of their previous European matches away against English opposition.
• The Dutch side are also winless in their last eight away games in the UEFA Europa League.
• The Black Cats have won five of their last ten matches across all competitions, keeping four clean sheets.
• AZ Alkmaar are in fine goalscoring form, netting 15 times in their last five matches.

Sunderland: Historic European Return

Sunderland makes their European football return after 52 years. Their recent Premier League form is inconsistent, including a 2-0 loss to Arsenal, a win over Fulham, and a draw with Brentford. This UEFA Europa League match presents a new beginning for the Black Cats.

Despite their league defeat, the team secured a 1-0 League Cup victory against Hull City. This win highlights their ability to perform in knockout fixtures. A good result on home turf will boost confidence for their European campaign.

The manager boasts a fully fit squad, offering a significant advantage. With no injury concerns, he can field his strongest lineup. The players are motivated to perform for their fans on this historic occasion.

DateResult
	SunderlandSUN 1-0 AZ AlkmaarAZ	WinW
	SunderlandSUN 0-2 ArsenalARS	LossL
	SunderlandSUN 1-0 Hull CityHUL	WinW
	BrentfordBRE 1-1 SunderlandSUN	DrawD
	SunderlandSUN 1-0 FulhamFUL	WinW

AZ Alkmaar: Domestic Form vs. European Woes

AZ Alkmaar arrives in superb domestic form, currently second in the Eredivisie 2026. They are unbeaten in six Eredivisie games, scoring 17 goals. A recent 1-1 draw against Willem II slightly checked their attacking momentum.

However, their European away record is poor. The Dutch side has lost all 11 previous matches on English soil. They are also winless in their last eight UEFA Europa League away games.

A fully fit squad gives AZ Alkmaar a significant advantage for this fixture. They can field their strongest eleven, aiming to overcome historical travel issues. The team hopes to translate its potent league form onto the European stage.

DateResult
	SunderlandSUN 1-0 AZ AlkmaarAZ	LossL
	AZ AlkmaarAZ 1-1 Willem IIWIL	DrawD
	HeerenveenHEE 2-3 AZ AlkmaarAZ	WinW
	AZ AlkmaarAZ 5-2 Go Ahead EaglesGO	WinW
	Fortuna SittardFOR 0-2 AZ AlkmaarAZ	WinW

Sunderland vs. AZ Alkmaar Prediction: a decisive result expected

Sunderland’s historic European return is met by a free-scoring AZ Alkmaar side that has been prolific domestically. Given the visitors’ attacking form, a goal being scored in the first half appears to be a strong possibility.

Despite their firepower, AZ Alkmaar’s dreadful away record in England is a significant factor to consider. With Sunderland spurred on by the home crowd, both teams should generate chances, making the "Over 8.5 Corners" market an interesting prospect.

Considering AZ’s potent attack and Sunderland’s motivation after a 52-year absence, a tentative draw seems unlikely. Our main prediction is for a decisive result, with either Sunderland or AZ Alkmaar claiming the victory in this encounter.

		Best Odds
Over/Under	Over 0.5 goals in the first half	1.30
Over/Under	Over 8.5 corners in the match	1.60

The odds mentioned were collected during the writing of this prediction and may change. Always check with the bookmaker for the latest information.

Where to Watch Sunderland vs. AZ Alkmaar

Sunderland vs. AZ Alkmaar Predicted Lineups

Sunderland

AZ Alkmaar

Match Details

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Sunderland or AZ Alkmaar to win

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