Sunderland are back in the big time after years away from the Premier League and they have hit the ground running this season. Their return to European football in the Europa League has brought fresh energy to the squad even if the schedule of two games a week is starting to test their depth. The only real setback so far was a narrow loss to Arsenal but that result does not tell the full story of how competitive they have looked in most outings.
Team Form
AZ Alkmaar arrive with an unbeaten record in the Dutch league and a strong habit of performing well on the continent. They reached the quarter finals of the Conference League last term and rarely look rattled in domestic matches. Their only recent hiccup was a late equaliser conceded against Willem II yet the team still showed plenty of fight to stay in the contest.
- Sunderland have conceded just twice in their last five league games
- AZ Alkmaar have scored in every away fixture this season
- Both sides average over 2.5 goals in their European ties so far
Tactical Analysis
The Black Cats will lean on their strong home support and physical style to unsettle the visitors who are more used to controlling games in the Eredivisie. Expect Sunderland to press high and look for quick transitions while AZ will try to keep the ball and exploit spaces on the break. The English side have several players with experience in tougher leagues which could prove decisive in a tight Europa League clash.
Key strengths for the hosts include their set piece threat and midfield energy while AZ boast quick wing play and solid organisation at the back. Weaknesses for Sunderland lie in their lack of recent European know how whereas the Dutch outfit may struggle with the intensity of English pitches and the crowd atmosphere.
Betting Proposal
After weighing up the home advantage and the visitors lack of losses this term the most sensible play is to back the English side to take all three points. The value sits with a home win and that is the angle worth taking.
Sunderland to win at home with odds of 1.65 looks the standout types for this fixture.
