Sunderland vs AZ Alkmaar

Sunderland's long-awaited return to continental football arrives on September 16, when Sunderland host AZ Alkmaar in their opening Europa League league-phase fixture. It's the club's first European home game since 1973, reward for a seventh-place Premier League finish last season, and a chance to make an early statement in a tough group. AZ arrive in ominous form, sitting top of the Eredivisie after five straight wins and sixteen goals scored, edging out PSV at the summit. Sunderland's early season has been steadier, with a win over Fulham and a draw at Brentford among their results so far. Keep an eye on Brian Brobbey, the hosts' top scorer last term, and AZ's sharp frontman Ro-Zangelo Daal, who has been in prolific form this season. The two sides have no notable history against each other, so this opener is genuinely fresh territory for both clubs as European football returns to Wearside. Our prediction: 2-1.