The Black Cats have really struggled in the Premier League, but performances midweek have been much more positive. They beat Brentford 3-2 in the EFL Cup last week, earning them a spot amongst the final eight teams in the competition. In the Europa League, Sunderland are battling near the top of the standings with the record of two wins and one draw, and this looks like an excellent matchup for them to extend their unbeaten record.

Dinamo Zagreb sit mid-table on four points, and they were beaten 4-2 by NEC Nijmegen in their last European outing. There seems to be a significant gulf in quality between these sides on paper, so Sunderland will hope to make that count.

Niko Galesic in particular is one to keep an eye on at fullback, and he is averaging 1.66 fouls per 90 across all competitions this season. In the Europa League, that number jumps to 3.29 fouls per 90, where he has landed this selection in all three appearances. No Zagreb player has committed more fouls than Galesic on the European stage this season, and he will likely draw the matchup of Malick Fofana out wide.

The Sunderland winger was fouled twice against Brentford last week, and he is averaging 1.22 fouls drawn per 90 since joining for Sunderland. He is a player who likes to be direct in his play and try to beat his marker, exemplified by an average of 2.6 fouls drawn per 90 when playing for Lyon last season.

On the opposite flank, Jocelin Ta Bi is another danger man. He was one of Sunderland’s standout performers during their 3-2 victory against Brentford, as he provided two assists. Ta Bi was unfortunate not to be accredited with a goal himself, but Chemsdine Talbi got the final touch just before the ball crossed the line.

Still, Ta Bi landed this bet as his only shot hit the target, while he also recorded three shots against Hull in his only other start of the season. There isn’t much data to go off for the 21-year-old, but his performance against Brentford last week was incredibly positive - he looked hungry and determined to contribute going forward, so should get the nod to start on Thursday night.

Dinamo Zagreb come into this clash as underdogs, but seeing Sunderland at the bottom of the Premier League standings will certainly give them some hope of pulling off an upset at the Stadium of Light. The Black Cats have struggled to limit chances for their opponents so far, and they will have to keep an eye on Dion Beljo. The Croatian striker has scored in both Europa League appearances this season, including a brace against NEC Nijmegen in the previous round.

He is averaging an eye-catching 5.02 shots per 90 in the Croatian top flight this season, with 12 goals to his name from ten starts, which shows just how devastating he can be in the final third.