Fifty-three years, countless away days and more than a few miserable afternoons. Sunderland are finally heading overseas for European football again.
The Black Cats face Portuguese second-tier side Torreense on Thursday evening, with almost 4,000 Sunderland supporters expected to make the trip.
Régis Le Bris’ side opened their Europa League campaign with a 1-0 victory over AZ Alkmaar. Enzo Le Fée scored the winner from the penalty spot.
However, Sunderland’s Premier League form has been far less convincing.
Saturday’s 2-0 home defeat to Brighton left the Black Cats with just four points from six league matches.
Injuries haven’t helped matters either. Brian Brobbey and Dan Ballard remain sidelined, while Le Bris faces another demanding run of fixtures.
Meanwhile, Torreense have already shown they shouldn’t be underestimated.
The Portuguese underdogs qualified for Europe after beating Sporting Lisbon in last season’s Portuguese Cup final.
They followed that remarkable achievement with a 2-1 victory over Lillestrøm in their opening Europa League fixture.
However, their domestic form has been disappointing. Torreense currently sit near the bottom of Portugal’s second division.
Thursday’s match will also take place in Leiria, rather than Torreense’s usual home ground.
Sunderland have the stronger squad on paper. Nevertheless, their hosts have already proved they enjoy upsetting the odds.
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What are the best betting tips for Torreense vs Sunderland?
Sunderland to win
Sunderland’s Premier League form has been disappointing. However, Thursday offers an excellent opportunity to build some confidence.
The Black Cats have struggled against strong domestic opposition this season. Nevertheless, their opening Europa League victory over AZ Alkmaar showed they can compete on the European stage.
Meanwhile, Torreense have endured a difficult start to their league campaign.
The Portuguese side sit 15th in the second division, having managed just one league victory.
Although they beat Lillestrøm in Europe, Sunderland represent a considerable step up in quality.
Le Bris could rotate his squad ahead of Sunday’s trip to Bournemouth.
However, players such as Granit Xhaka, Enzo Le Fée and Wilson Isidor give Sunderland plenty of options.
Furthermore, the Black Cats will have thousands of travelling supporters behind them.
Sunderland haven’t enjoyed many victories this season. Nevertheless, I’m backing them to secure another important European win.
Under 3.5 total goals
This could be a tighter contest than Sunderland supporters might expect.
The Black Cats have struggled to create clear opportunities in recent matches.
Saturday’s defeat to Brighton highlighted those problems, with Sunderland failing to score despite enjoying spells of possession.
Meanwhile, their Europa League opener against AZ Alkmaar produced just one goal.
Torreense are also unlikely to make life easy.
The Portuguese side defended well against Lillestrøm before securing a surprise 2-1 victory.
They could adopt another cautious approach against Premier League opposition.
Furthermore, Sunderland may rotate several players because of their demanding schedule.
That could affect their attacking rhythm, particularly with Brobbey unavailable.
Although Sunderland should have enough quality to win, I wouldn’t expect a goal-filled encounter.
Therefore, under 3.5 goals looks an appealing selection.
Enzo Le Fée to score or assist
Enzo Le Fée could be one of Sunderland’s most important players in Portugal.
The French midfielder scored the winning penalty against AZ Alkmaar in their opening Europa League match.
However, his contribution extends well beyond goals.
Le Fée is one of Sunderland’s most creative players, particularly when operating around the penalty area.
His passing and movement could prove crucial against a Torreense side expected to defend in numbers.
Furthermore, Sunderland have struggled to create clear opportunities recently.
That makes Le Fée’s creativity even more important.
Wilson Isidor should offer movement ahead of him, while Sunderland’s wide players can stretch the opposition.
As a result, Le Fée could have opportunities to create chances or threaten goal himself.
His involvement in set pieces also adds another potential route to an attacking contribution.
Rather than backing him to score outright, the goal-or-assist market provides another option.
If Sunderland find a breakthrough, I fancy Le Fée to play a part.
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Where can I watch Torreense vs Sunderland?
Torreense vs Sunderland kicks off at 5:45 pm BST on Thursday, October 15, at the Estádio Dr Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria, Portugal.
In the UK, the match is expected to be available through TNT Sports and HBO Max. The exact channel should be confirmed before publication.
Supporters in the United States can check Paramount+ for live coverage, with kick-off scheduled for 12:45 pm ET.
Meanwhile, Canadian viewers can check DAZN, with the match also starting at 12:45 pm ET.
What is Torreense’s predicted team?
Formation (4-2-3-1): Adriel; Bruno, Diadie, Volnei, Vázquez; Oudrhiri, Alfaro; Pozo, João Marques, Jean; Abubakari.
Injured: No confirmed absentees.
Doubts: None confirmed.
Suspended: Nuha Jatta.
Torreense will be without midfielder Nuha Jatta following his dismissal against Lillestrøm.
However, goalkeeper Adriel and defender Mohamed Ali Diadie remain available despite receiving red cards in domestic competition.
Alejandro Alfaro should retain his midfield place after scoring against Lillestrøm.
Meanwhile, Manu Pozo could return to the starting lineup after sitting out the weekend defeat to Tondela.
Malik Abubakari is expected to lead the attack, with João Marques providing creativity behind him.
What is Sunderland’s predicted team?
Formation (4-2-3-1): Roefs; Mukiele, Danso, Alderete, Methalie; Xhaka, Sadiki; Fofana, Le Fée, Angulo; Isidor.
Injured: Brian Brobbey, Dan Ballard, Habib Diarra, Romaine Mundle.
Doubts: Thomas Meunier.
Suspended: None confirmed.
Sunderland have several injury problems ahead of Thursday’s match.
Brobbey and Ballard remain unavailable with hamstring injuries. Meanwhile, Diarra and Mundle are also sidelined.
Meunier is another concern after suffering a thigh problem against Brighton.
As a result, Le Bris may need to make changes across his defence and attack.
Wilson Isidor is expected to lead the line in Brobbey’s absence.
Meanwhile, Le Fée should provide creativity behind the striker.
Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki could offer experience and energy in midfield.
However, Le Bris may rotate his squad ahead of Sunday’s Premier League trip to Bournemouth.
Chemsdine Talbi, Jocelin Ta Bi, Melker Ellborg, Alan Browne and Aji Alese are not registered for Sunderland’s Europa League squad.
Torreense vs Sunderland prediction
Sunderland haven’t enjoyed the start to the season they would’ve wanted. However, Thursday presents a good opportunity to rediscover some confidence.
Le Bris’ side possess considerably more quality than their Portuguese opponents.
Nevertheless, Torreense shouldn’t be underestimated.
The hosts have already beaten Sporting Lisbon and Lillestrøm during their remarkable European journey.
Furthermore, Sunderland’s injuries and busy schedule could make this a difficult evening.
However, the Black Cats should create enough opportunities to take control.
Le Fée’s creativity and Isidor’s movement could prove particularly important.
I expect Torreense to remain competitive, but Sunderland should eventually break through.
Score prediction: Torreense 0-2 Sunderland
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