0 Points, 0 Games: Sunderland and AZ Alkmaar Start from Scratch

A blank slate at the Stadium of Light

Sunderland and AZ Alkmaar begin the UEFA Europa League league stage with 0 points, 0 games played and a goal difference of 0. The opening round takes place at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday, September 16, with kick-off at 19:00 UTC. J. Pignard will referee the fixture.

The table gives AZ an early numerical advantage in third place, while Sunderland sit 33rd. That difference is based on the current league-stage ranking rather than results, as neither side has played in this competition phase. Anderlecht lead the standings on 0 points, so there is no points gap to recover, but both teams have an immediate opportunity to establish a position in the league-stage race.

No form guide, no established momentum

There is no recent form data available for either team. That removes the usual evidence of winning runs, defensive weakness or attacking rhythm, making this an especially open assessment before the first whistle. Sunderland also have no recorded home results in the supplied season data: 0 wins, 0 draws and 0 losses, with 0 goals scored and 0 conceded. AZ’s away record is equally unformed, also standing at 0 wins, 0 draws and 0 losses, with 0 goals for and against.

The numbers offer no statistical trend to favour either venue performance. Sunderland cannot point to a recorded home scoring pattern, while AZ have no away defensive record or clean-sheet total to use as a platform. The opening exchanges should therefore carry extra weight in shaping the match’s direction.

Absences add uncertainty

Sunderland will be without J. Angulo, A. Browne, M. Ellborg, J. Ta Bi and C. Talbi, all listed as off the roster. H. Diarra is unavailable with a hamstring injury, while R. Mundle has a knee injury. Those absences reduce the available squad and could encourage a more cautious selection, although no formation or selected-player information has been supplied.

AZ are missing D. Kasius with a groin injury, S. Resink with a knee injury and K. Smit with a groin injury. H. Verhulst is also off the roster. Without formations or line-ups, the precise tactical effect cannot be established, but AZ must account for four unavailable players in preparing their away plan.

What the opening result means

Sunderland’s home setting gives them the chance to turn a difficult-looking starting rank into an immediate statement, while AZ will want their third-place position to be supported by a positive opening result. Neither side has points to protect, so the table offers room to take initiative. At the same time, the absence of form data and established statistics makes risk management important.

Prediction: Sunderland 1-1 AZ Alkmaar. With both teams starting from identical statistical records and lacking recent form indicators, a balanced opening match is the most reasonable expectation.