Sunderland travel to Poland on Thursday evening looking to maintain their perfect Europa League record, although their domestic struggles have given Régis Le Bris plenty to think about.

The Black Cats have won both European matches so far, beating AZ Alkmaar 1-0 at the Stadium of Light before snatching a dramatic 2-1 victory away to Torreense.

Noah Sadiki’s stoppage-time winner in Portugal ensured Sunderland returned home with all three points, but their Premier League performances have been considerably less encouraging.

Sunday’s 2-0 defeat at Bournemouth was their fourth consecutive league loss, leaving Le Bris desperate for another positive result.

Lech Poznań have endured an even more difficult European campaign.

Niels Frederiksen’s side were thrashed 4-0 by Crystal Palace before suffering another 4-0 defeat against Bayer Leverkusen.

However, the Polish champions responded by demolishing Korona Kielce 6-1 on Sunday.

Sunderland might have the stronger European record, but a trip to the Enea Stadion is unlikely to be straightforward.

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What are the best betting tips for Lech Poznan vs Sunderland?

Sunderland to win

Sunderland have been disappointing domestically, but their Europa League performances tell a very different story.

Le Bris’s side have collected six points from their opening two fixtures, demonstrating the ability to grind out results even when performances haven’t been perfect.

Lech Poznań, meanwhile, have conceded eight goals without scoring in the league phase.

Their 4-0 defeats against Crystal Palace and Bayer Leverkusen suggest they’ve struggled with the step up in opposition quality.

Sunderland have enough pace and creativity to exploit those weaknesses, particularly if the hosts leave space behind their defence.

The Black Cats haven’t been convincing recently, but this looks like a good opportunity to continue their winning European start.

Over 2.5 goals

Lech Poznań’s European defensive record makes this an interesting market.

The Polish champions have conceded four goals in each of their opening two Europa League matches, struggling to cope with opponents attacking at pace.

However, they’ve been far more dangerous domestically.

Sunday’s 6-1 victory over Korona Kielce demonstrated their attacking capabilities, while Sunderland have conceded regularly away from home.

Le Bris’s side have also shown they can score on their travels, finding the net three times against Manchester City and twice against Torreense.

With both defences offering reasons for concern, three or more goals looks a reasonable possibility.

Malick Fofana to score or assist

Malick Fofana could be an important attacking outlet for Sunderland on Thursday.

The Belgian winger offers the pace and direct running needed to trouble a Lech defence that has struggled against European opposition.

With the Polish side expected to show more attacking ambition in front of their own supporters, there could be space for Sunderland to exploit on the counterattack.

Fofana’s movement and ability to carry the ball into dangerous areas make him a potential source of goals and chances.

If he starts, he looks an interesting option in the attacking contribution market.

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What is Lech Poznan’s predicted team?

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Lis; Joel Pereira, Skrzypczak, Yegbe, Gurgul; Murawski, Kozubal; Wålemark, Pablo Rodríguez, Luis Palma; Ishak.

Injured: Alex Douglas, Wojciech Mońka, João Moutinho, Ali Gholizadeh, Allahyar Sayyadmanesh.

Doubts: Robert Gumny.

Suspended: None confirmed.

Niels Frederiksen faces several defensive selection problems ahead of Sunderland’s visit.

Wojciech Mońka is sidelined with a muscle injury, while Alex Douglas and João Moutinho are also unavailable.

That should leave Terry Yegbe partnering Mateusz Skrzypczak in central defence.

Robert Gumny remains a doubt, although Joel Pereira is available at right-back.

Radosław Murawski returns to European contention after serving a suspension against Bayer Leverkusen.

Further forward, Patrik Wålemark and Luis Palma should provide support for captain Mikael Ishak.

Lech will need a significant improvement defensively if they’re to avoid another difficult European evening.

What is Sunderland’s predicted team?

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Roefs; Hume, Danso, Alderete, Methalie; Ahoka, Sadiki; Rigg, Diarra, Fofana; Tutierov.

Injured: Daniel Ballard, Thomas Meunier, Romaine Mundle.

Doubts: Wilson Isidor, Brian Brobbey.

Suspended: None confirmed.

Régis Le Bris has several selection decisions following Sunday’s defeat at Bournemouth. He is fully expected to rotate and rest key players before the game against Leeds on Sunday.

Daniel Ballard and Thomas Meunier remain unavailable with hamstring injuries, while Romaine Mundle continues his recovery from a knee problem.

Wilson Isidor is a doubt after missing the Bournemouth match, while Brian Brobbey has returned to training following a hamstring issue.

Kevin Danso is available in Europe despite his domestic suspension.

Le Bris could therefore retain Danso in central defence, with Omar Alderete another option alongside him.

Timur Tutierov is an option to lead the line if Brobbey and Isidor aren’t ready.

Lech Poznan vs Sunderland stats

• Sunderland have won both Europa League matches this season.
• The Black Cats have scored three goals and conceded just one in Europe.
• Noah Sadiki scored a stoppage-time winner against Torreense.
• Lech Poznań have lost both Europa League fixtures 4-0.
• The Polish side have conceded eight goals without scoring in the league phase.
• Lech beat Korona Kielce 6-1 in their latest domestic match.
• Sunderland lost 2-0 at Bournemouth on Sunday.
• This will be the first competitive European meeting between Lech Poznań and Sunderland.

Where can I watch Lech Poznan vs Sunderland?

Lech Poznań host Sunderland at the Enea Stadion on Thursday, 22 October 2026, with kick-off at 5:45 pm BST.

United Kingdom: TNT Sports 1, with streaming through HBO Max.

United States: Paramount+ and ViX, with kick-off at 12:45 pm ET.

Canada: DAZN Canada, with kick-off at 12:45 pm ET.

Lech Poznan vs Sunderland prediction

Sunderland’s Premier League form is concerning, but Europe has provided a welcome distraction.

Two matches, two victories and six points represent an excellent start to their Europa League campaign.

Lech Poznań, meanwhile, have looked completely out of their depth against European opposition.

Conceding four against both Crystal Palace and Bayer Leverkusen highlights the problems Frederiksen’s side have experienced when facing teams capable of attacking at pace.

However, Sunderland shouldn’t expect an easy evening.

Lech’s 6-1 victory over Korona Kielce suggests they remain dangerous going forward, and a packed Enea Stadion should provide a hostile atmosphere.

The Black Cats have struggled defensively on their travels, making another clean sheet far from guaranteed.

Nevertheless, Sunderland possess enough attacking quality to take advantage of Lech’s weaknesses.

Expect the hosts to offer more resistance than they have in their opening European fixtures, but Le Bris’s side should have enough to secure another important victory.

Score prediction: Lech Poznań 1-2 Sunderland

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