AZ Alkmaar visit Sunderland, Brian Brobbey in reserve role

On Thursday evening AZ Alkmaar travels to the Stadium of Light in Sunderland for the competition phase of the Europa League, where Brian Brobbey gets a reserve role. The Dutch club has already played six Eredivisie matches, of which the first five ended in victory.

Previous European appearances

PSV, Feyenoord, Ajax, FC Twente and NEC have already featured at least once this season in the Europa League, thereby filling the first round of the competition.

In the Eredivisie, AZ has already played six matches; the first five all ended in victory. However, an expected three‑point win against Willem II last Friday resulted in a disappointing 1‑1 draw, in which Leeroy Echteld played a crucial role.

For the match at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland have made two changes: Kees Smit returns after a minor injury and replaces Dave Kwakman, while Ayoub Oufkir is preferred as right winger over Calvin Stengs.

Sunderland, last season a surprising newcomer in the Premier League, have collected four points in the first four matches of the current campaign, with Robin Roefs again between the posts.

Brian Brobbey, a regular in the competition, now has to make do in a reserve role, while Wilson Isidor is positioned at the tip of the attack for Sunderland.

The encounter offers AZ the chance to confirm their European ambitions and Sunderland the opportunity to consolidate their impressive start in the Premier League, while both clubs aim to strengthen their position in the Europa League.