Sunderland's strongest XI vs Dinamo Zagreb based on Europa League minutes
Sunderland face Croatian double winners Dinamo Zagreb in their latest Europa League tie on Thursday night.
Sunderland can put their Premier League concerns aside this week when they look to take another step towards the knockout rounds of the Europa League with a home win against Dinamo Zagreb.
The Black Cats have made a positive start to what is only their second ever season competing in European competition after claiming seven points from their opening three games after following up wins against AZ Alkmaar and Torreense with a battling draw against Polish champions Lech Poznan. That has left Regis Le Bris’ side sitting just outside of the top eight in the Europa League table and that must be their aim if they are to avoid the play-off round and land a place in the last 16 of the competition.
They will face a visiting side that have parted company with head coach Mario Kovačević following a surprise defeat against league rivals Rudeš on Saturday and B team coach Jerko Leko will oversee the first game of his interim reign when the two sides meet at the Stadium of Light.
For Sunderland, the tie will offer an opportunity to bounce back from their deeply disappointing defeat at Coventry City on Saturday afternoon and instil some confidence ahead of Sunday afternoon’s home game with Chelsea. Once again, Le Bris must look to manage his squad as the Black Cats balance the demands of their domestic fixtures with European football and it appears likely the former Lorient head coach will rotate his ranks ahead of Thursday’s game. But how would the Sunderland side look if it was based on minutes played in the Europa League this season?
Sunderland’s strongest starting XI for Dinamo Zagreb based on Europa League minutes
GK: Robin Roefs - 270 minutes
RB: Nordi Mukiele - 184 minutes
CB: Luke O’Nien - 180 minutes
CB: Kevin Danso - 173 minutes
LB: Dayann Methalie - 148 minutes
CM: Jules Ahoka - 180 minutes
CM: Noah Sadiki - 208 minutes
CM: Granit Xhaka - 185 minutes
LW: Malick Fofana - 213 minutes
RW: Nilson Angulo - 143 minutes
ST: Timur Tutierov - 174 minutes
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