For Dinamo, the match represents a fresh beginning under former Croatian international Jerko Leko, who has temporarily replaced Mario Kovačević following the club's unexpected 1–0 defeat against Rudeš. Leko has had only two training sessions to prepare his players for the demanding trip to England, leaving little time to introduce major tactical changes. His immediate priority will be improving the team's energy, defensive discipline and collective concentration.
Sunderland, meanwhile, enter the fixture with a striking contrast between their domestic and European results. The English club sit bottom of the Premier League after collecting just five points from nine matches, but have enjoyed a much more encouraging start to the Europa League, recording two victories and one draw. With seven points from three European encounters, the Black Cats occupy ninth place in the league-phase standings, while Dinamo have four points and remain involved in the battle for knockout-stage qualification.
Sunderland's European Success Contrasts With Premier League Struggles
Sunderland's disappointing Premier League campaign has increased pressure on manager Régis Le Bris, despite the French coach having overseen two successful seasons at the club. He guided Sunderland back to the English top flight in the 2024/25 campaign before leading them to seventh place in the following season, securing European qualification for the first time in more than five decades.
However, the current campaign has proved considerably more difficult. Sunderland have registered only one victory, two draws and six defeats from their opening nine Premier League matches, leaving them at the bottom of the standings. Their only league victory came against Fulham in August, and the subsequent winless run has raised concerns about the team's attacking effectiveness and ability to maintain the intensity that previously defined their performances.
The Europa League has provided a welcome contrast. Sunderland opened their European campaign with a 1–0 victory against AZ Alkmaar before defeating Portuguese representatives Torreense 2–1. A 1–1 away draw against Lech Poznań followed, extending their unbeaten European record and keeping them within reach of automatic qualification for the Round of 16.
Those results suggest that Sunderland remain capable of competing effectively when playing with greater tactical freedom and confidence. Their European performances have been built around disciplined organisation, aggressive pressing and quick transitions, allowing Le Bris to exploit the individual qualities of his attacking players.
The match against Dinamo therefore carries considerable importance for the English club. A victory would strengthen their position in the Europa League standings while providing a confidence boost before another demanding Premier League fixture against Chelsea. For Le Bris, maintaining Sunderland's positive European momentum could also help reduce the scrutiny surrounding his position.
Jerko Leko Faces Immediate Test After Dinamo Coaching Change
Dinamo's preparations have been dominated by the departure of Mario Kovačević, whose tenure came to an end following the defeat against Rudeš. Although Kovačević delivered the Croatian league and cup double during his first season, disappointing performances in the current campaign convinced the club's leadership that a change was necessary.
The 4–2 Europa League defeat against NEC Nijmegen had already raised serious questions about Dinamo's defensive organisation. The Zagreb side surrendered a 2–1 advantage in that encounter, conceding three unanswered goals and exposing weaknesses in defensive transitions and concentration. Their domestic defeat against Rudeš subsequently accelerated the decision to appoint an interim replacement.
Leko, who had been coaching Dinamo's second team, was entrusted with the first-team squad for two matches. The former Croatia midfielder will oversee the encounter against Sunderland before leading the team against Varaždin in the Croatian championship. Dinamo's management are expected to use the November international break to finalise the appointment of a permanent head coach.
Speaking before the match, Leko emphasised the importance of restoring energy and discipline rather than attempting to transform the team's entire tactical approach within a matter of days. He acknowledged Sunderland's strengths, particularly their quick transitions, physical presence and ability to attack through long passes and crosses.
The interim coach also recognised that the English side should be considered favourites because of their stronger European record. However, he believes Dinamo have enough individual quality to produce a competitive performance if the players demonstrate greater concentration and commitment.
Captain Josip Mišić also expressed confidence that Dinamo can respond positively to the managerial change. As one of the team's most experienced players, Mišić will have an important role in maintaining organisation and controlling the rhythm of the match, particularly against a Sunderland midfield led by Granit Xhaka.
Granit Xhaka Leads Sunderland's Biggest Threats
One of the most important tactical battles will take place in midfield, where Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka plays a central role in controlling possession, organising attacks and maintaining defensive stability. The experienced Swiss international combines precise distribution with strong positional awareness, making him the key figure in Le Bris' preferred playing system.
Sunderland generally operate in a 4-2-3-1 formation, although the team can adapt to a more attacking 4-3-3 or defensive 4-4-2 depending on the circumstances. Their approach relies on aggressive pressing, rapid transitions and the ability to exploit space behind opposing defensive lines. Rather than always dominating possession, Sunderland are comfortable allowing opponents to have the ball before launching direct attacks.
Xhaka is supported by creative French midfielder Enzo Le Fée, whose passing and movement help connect Sunderland's defensive and attacking units. Noah Sadiki provides another midfield option, offering energy and defensive coverage alongside the captain.
In attack, Dutch international Brian Brobbey represents one of the biggest threats to Dinamo's defence. The powerful striker combines physical strength with intelligent movement and is particularly dangerous when receiving direct passes or attacking crosses inside the penalty area.
Sunderland also possess several dangerous wide players. Chemsdine Talbi and Chris Rigg provide options on the right, while Nilson Angulo and Malick Fofana offer pace and creativity from the left. Their movement could create problems for a Dinamo defence that has struggled to maintain organisation against fast opponents during recent European matches.
At the back, goalkeeper Robin Roefs provides security behind a defensive unit featuring experienced players such as Omar Alderete, Luke O'Nien, Reinildo Mandava, Trai Hume and Thomas Meunier. Their individual experience gives Sunderland several options for responding to Dinamo's attacking threats.
Injuries Could Influence Both Starting Lineups
Neither coach enters the match with a completely available squad. Sunderland will be without midfielder Habib Diarra, who is recovering from a muscular injury, while Romaine Mundle and defender Dan Ballard also remain unavailable.
Le Bris confirmed that Ballard has made progress in his rehabilitation but is not yet ready to return. Diarra is expected to face a longer absence, while Chemsdine Talbi has been added to Sunderland's Europa League squad and is available for selection.
Dinamo also face selection difficulties. Scottish defender Scott McKenna is sidelined through injury, while Kiril Kravcov has been unable to travel because he did not obtain the necessary entry permission for the United Kingdom. Stjepan Radeljić is also not considered fully fit, creating additional uncertainty in defence.
Leko has indicated that he will make changes to the lineup, partly because Dinamo must also prepare for an important Croatian league fixture against Varaždin just three days later. Reports suggest that experienced winger Mislav Oršić could return to the starting eleven, although the final team selection will not be confirmed until shortly before kick-off.
The Croatian side will need to find a balance between defensive security and attacking ambition. Dion Drena Beljo remains an important outlet in the forward line, while Luka Stojković and Luka Ivanušec possess the technical quality to create opportunities against Sunderland's defence.
With limited preparation time, Leko may favour a relatively straightforward tactical approach that allows his players to operate in familiar roles. Dinamo's ability to withstand Sunderland's initial pressure and avoid unnecessary mistakes could be central to their chances of securing a positive result.
A Crucial Encounter for Europa League Qualification
Dinamo have collected four points from their opening three Europa League matches. They began with a goalless draw against Hapoel Beer Sheva before securing a narrow 1–0 victory over Anderlecht. However, the subsequent 4–2 defeat against NEC Nijmegen highlighted the defensive weaknesses that have complicated their campaign.
A victory against Sunderland would take Dinamo to seven points and significantly improve their prospects of finishing among the top 24 teams in the league phase. Under the Europa League format, the top eight advance directly to the Round of 16, while clubs finishing ninth to 24th enter the knockout play-offs.
Sunderland have already collected seven points, meaning another victory would strengthen their position near the leading teams. However, their difficulties in the Premier League suggest that Dinamo could find opportunities if they maintain defensive discipline and exploit moments when the home side lose possession.
For Leko, the match is also an opportunity to make an immediate impression in his temporary role. A positive result at the Stadium of Light would provide encouragement for the players and supporters while allowing Dinamo's management to continue their search for a permanent coach in a more positive atmosphere.
The challenge will be substantial. Sunderland's intensity, physical strength and ability to attack quickly could expose the same defensive problems that have troubled Dinamo throughout the autumn. Nevertheless, the English team's domestic struggles demonstrate that they are not unbeatable.
The Europa League encounter between Sunderland and Dinamo brings together two clubs experiencing contrasting pressures. Sunderland are unbeaten in Europe but struggling at the bottom of the Premier League, while Dinamo are attempting to regain stability under an interim coach. With important qualification points available and both teams eager to restore confidence, the match at the Stadium of Light promises to be a significant test of character, concentration and tactical discipline.
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