Sunderland host AZ Alkmaar at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday evening in the opening match of the UEFA Europa League League Stage, with kick-off set for 19:00 UTC. It is the first fixture of the competition for both sides, meaning neither has yet registered a point, a goal or a result in this season's table.
The broader table context, however, tells a clear story ahead of this encounter. Sunderland sit 33rd in the 34-team table and are placed in the bottom two. AZ Alkmaar occupy third position and are in the top third of the table. Both sides begin on zero points, yet their respective standings represent very different starting positions in the competition.
Recent form adds further colour to the match-up. Sunderland have taken 5 points from their last five matches, a run that includes a win over Fulham and draws against Brentford and Wolves, but also defeats to Arsenal and Ipswich. Their most recent outing was a 0-2 home loss to Arsenal.
AZ Alkmaar arrive having accumulated 13 points from their last five matches. That run includes four wins — away victories at Heerenveen, Fortuna Sittard and Utrecht, as well as a 5-2 home win over GO Ahead Eagles — and one draw against Willem II. Their most recent outing ended 1-1 at home to Willem II.
With 34 teams competing in the UEFA Europa League League Stage, every point carries weight from the very first matchday. Sunderland, sitting in the bottom two of the table, will be looking to open their account at home, while AZ Alkmaar, in the top third, begin their European campaign on the back of a strong run of results.