Sunderland will resume their Europa League campaign with an intriguing visit to Portuguese second tier side Torreense on Thursday.
The hosts caused one of the biggest shocks in European football last season when they claimed a surprise win against Sporting CP to lift the Portuguese Cup for the first time in their history and land a place in the Europa League. Further history followed when they earned a 2-1 win at Norwegian side Lillestrom on the opening matchday of the competition and set themselves up for this week’s home clash with the Black Cats.
The scene at the Stadium of Light ahead of Sunderland's Europa League tie with AZ Alkmaar.placeholder image
The scene at the Stadium of Light ahead of Sunderland's Europa League tie with AZ Alkmaar. | Getty Images.
Sunderland also opened up with a memorable win as an Enzo Le Fee penalty saw off Eredivisie outfit AZ Alkmaar on a night for the ages at the Stadium of Light last month - and they will now hope to take a step closer to securing a spot in the knockout phase by bouncing back from Saturday’s Premier League defeat against Brighton and Hove Albion with a win. But what are Sunderland’s chances of landing a place in the knockout phase of the Europa League in what is only the second European campaign of their history? We take a look at the latest predicted final Europa League table that has been pieced together by the stats experts at Opta.
The Echo’s Europa League coverage is sponsored by Renewable Energy Management Ltd, a leading provider of comprehensive renewable energy solutions based in the North East of England.placeholder image
The Echo’s Europa League coverage is sponsored by Renewable Energy Management Ltd, a leading provider of comprehensive renewable energy solutions based in the North East of England. | Renewable Energy Management Ltd.
Opta’s predicted final Europa League table
The UEFA Europa League trophy.placeholder image
The UEFA Europa League trophy. | Getty Images.
30. Hapoel Be’er Sheva - 7.77 points
The Echo’s Europa League coverage is sponsored byRenewable Energy Management Ltd, a leading provider of comprehensive renewable energy solutions based in the North East of England. They are trusted installers of solar panels, battery storage, air source heat pumps, EV charging, ground source heat pumps, and underfloor heating, bringing sustainable energy to homes across the region.