Sunderland – Dinamo Zagreb

Recent form · Written before the match

Sunderland are unbeaten in Europe before the match: a 1-0 win against AZ Alkmaar on 16 September, a 2-1 win at Torreense on 15 October, and a 1-1 draw at Lech Poznań on 22 October. Dinamo Zagreb drew 0-0 at Hapoel Beer-Sheva on 16 September, beat Anderlecht 1-0 on 15 October, then lost 2-4 against NEC Nijmegen on 22 October.

Sunderland have home advantage and Dinamo have recently travelled in Europe, but these results are not enough to establish structural superiority or comparable chance quality.

Head-to-head · Written before the match

No recent Sunderland-Dinamo Zagreb head-to-head with a date and score was actually found in the pages consulted. This does not allow for a conclusion that there is a total absence of historical meetings.

However, the lack of a documented fixture reduces the relevance of an angle based on head-to-head records.

Absences and returns

Sunderland had Dan Ballard and Romaine Mundle announced absent on October 29 by Régis Le Bris. Nordi Mukiele was doubtful after a throat problem.

Wilson Isidor was expected to be able to return to a role, without this confirming a starting place against Dinamo. Habib Diarra was available, with his workload managed after returning from a hamstring injury.

For Dinamo Zagreb, the absentees, suspensions, goalkeeper and doubtful starters were not announced in a verified manner. Scott McKenna is only mentioned as doubtful by a secondary source.

Context & news

Sunderland can use home advantage, transitions after regaining possession and the pressure on a Dinamo team that has just conceded four goals against NEC. Conversely, Dinamo can exploit the spaces behind the full-backs if Sunderland takes the initiative, while Dan Ballard's confirmed absence may alter the penalty-area défense.

The scenario favorable to Sunderland depends on a sufficiently competitive lineup and the ability to convert its territorial advantage; the scenario favorable to Dinamo rests on effective transitions, an adaptation after the defeat against NEC and a possible weakening of Sunderland's défense. The standings, points and qualification situation have not been verified.

Lineups and squad

The starting lineups have not been published. The lineups therefore remain to be confirmed before kickoff.

The match is scheduled for 5 November 2026 at 20:00 UTC at the Stadium of Light, in Sunderland, on matchday 4 of the league phase of the 2026/27 UEFA Europa League.