2026-27 UEFA Europa League: League Phase – Sunderland vs Dinamo Zagreb

Sunderland host Dinamo Zagreb in the league phase of the 2026-27 UEFA Europa League. 

Victory will lift Sunderland into the top eight in the table, whilst Dinamo Zagreb can move into the seeded knockout play-off spots with a win.

 

Team News

Omar Alderete is available for Sunderland because his suspension only applies to their next domestic match, having been red carded during their 3-1 Premier League loss at Coventry.

Habib Diarra is ruled out after he missed their defeat at Coventry, having suffered a muscle injury during the Black Cats’ final training session before the match.

Nordi Mukiele (concussion), Riquelme Angulo (knock), Dan Ballard (hamstring) and Romaine Mundle (knee) remain ruled out.

Dinamo Zagreb could be without Dani Rodriguez due to a facial injury.

Kirill Kravtsov is too doubtful due to visa issues impacting his potential availability.

Scott McKenna is definitely ruled out with a muscle injury.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Sunderland host Dinamo Zagreb at the Stadium of Light on Thursday 5 November at 8pm GMT, live on TNT Sports 1 in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• This is Sunderland’s first competitive meeting against Dinamo Zagreb.
• Dinamo Zagreb are making their first competitive visit to Sunderland.
• Sunderland are yet to lose in this season’s league phase of the competition (W2, D1).
• Dinamo Zagreb have kept two clean sheets in the league phase so far this season (W1, D1, L1).

 

Prediction

Amidst their domestic league struggles, Sunderland have done well to get two wins and a draw in their first three league phase matches but their defence has to be absolutely solid and do the basics properly if they’re to win here, otherwise they are in for a tough night in their hardest test yet.

Dinamo Zagreb meanwhile have parted company with their manager, Mario Kovacevic after some disappointing performances in their last three matches – despite taking one win, so it is hard to know what to expect other than a strong reaction most likely.

Sunderland though do have home advantage and unexpectedly shocked Brentford on Wearside in the Carabao Cup last week, so I do think that the Black Cats will have a surprise up their sleeve if can sort out the defensive issues.

Prediction: Sunderland 2-1 Dinamo Zagreb