Sunderland must overcome Premier League struggles ahead of first European test

Sunderland begin their UEFA Europa League campaign on Wednesday evening when they face Eredivisie club AZ Alkmaar at the Stadium of Light.

The Black Cats finished seventh in the Premier League last season, qualifying for European football for the first time in 52 years.

They managed to keep their key players during the summer transfer window, including captain Granit Xhaka, who rejected a move to Chelsea.

However, they did not add enough quality to the squad, which has contributed to their slow start in the Premier League. They sit 14th in the standings after collecting four points from four games.

Sunderland lost 2-0 to defending champions Arsenal in their last league game, but showed encouraging signs that they can take to their clash against Alkmaar.

The result could have been different if Enzo Le Fee had converted his penalty before Bruno Guimaraes scored the opening goal.

Brian Brobbey was a physical threat against Mikel Arteta’s side and should retain his place. He is also familiar with Alkmaar, having faced them 10 times during his time at Ajax.

He can use his physicality to put the visitors’ defenders under pressure and create room for his teammates to attack the space.

Xhaka’s European experience and his ability to control games will also be key against the Dutch side.

Alkmaar have started the season brilliantly, collecting 16 points from six games to sit joint-top of the Eredivisie table.

The Dutch side have scored in every league game and conceded in four of their six league fixtures, suggesting they have a strong attack but can be defensively vulnerable.

Ro-Zangelo Daal is Alkmaar’s most in-form player, with his creativity and finishing contributing to their flying start.