Sunderland assess fitness before Torreense trip
Sunderland return to European away action in Portugal after 53 years, facing Torreense in Leiria, with Regis Le Bris expected to rotate after defeat to Brighton.
Roker Report’s writers all back Sunderland to beat Torreense, with most forecasting a comfortable away win to restore confidence after the Brighton defeat.
Sunderland face Portuguese Cup winners Torreense, a direct, disciplined side who attack wide and counter quickly despite sitting 15th in Liga Portugal 2.
AZ Alkmaar host Hapoel Beer Sheva aiming to revive their Europa League campaign after losing 1-0 at Sunderland in their opener.
Brighton won 2-0 at Sunderland after Pascal Struijk’s red card was later overturned, with goals from Maxim De Cuyper and debutant Jaouen Hadjam sealing the away win.
Brian Brobbey and Habib Diarra have travelled and could feature for Sunderland at Torreense, but Thomas Meunier and Wilson Isidor are doubts after picking up knocks.
Marseille manager Bruno Genesio said Igor Paixao 'could, and should, have gone to Sunderland' and may still be frustrated after the collapsed deadline-day move.
Sunderland beat Chelsea and Barcelona to Juan Riquelme Angulo after Regis Le Bris assured him he would stay as third striker, not leave on loan after joining from Independiente del Valle.
