Lech Poznan aim to escape the bottom as Sunderland visit Poznan

Bottom of the table, no room to wait

Lech Poznan have yet to take a point in the Europa League league phase. After two matches they sit 36th of 36 with a goal difference of -8, so Thursday’s game against Sunderland is a chance to start climbing out of the danger zone before the gap to the rest of the table grows.

Sunderland’s perfect start

Sunderland arrive ninth with six points from two games, both won, and a goal difference of +2. Their away record this season is also encouraging: they have won their only away match and conceded just once on the road.

Lech’s goals, and their leaks

Lech’s attacking output has been the highlight. They have scored 14 goals in their last five matches, an average of 2.8 a game, and eight of their 15 season goals have come at home. The problem is the other end: those same five games brought ten goals against, and their season run reads WWWDLL, mixing wins with a sequence of defeats that has left them struggling for consistency.

Team news

Lech will be without A. Douglas (ankle), A. Gholizadeh (knee), J. Moutinho and A. Sayyadmanesh (groin). R. Gumny and W. Monka are doubts. Sunderland are missing R. Mundle through a knee problem, while D. Ballard, W. Isidor and T. Meunier are doubtful with muscle and general injuries.

Our prediction

PreviaXI’s model favours Sunderland, and the football backs that up. Lech can score, but their defensive problems and their missing attacking options make it hard to see them keeping Sunderland out. Expect a game with chances at both ends, but Sunderland’s composure should be enough to edge it, even if Lech make it competitive in the closing stages.

Lech Poznan 1-2 Sunderland