Ladbrokes' football tips - Wednesday, September 16, 2026: Sunderland & AC Milan to win Europa League openers

It was a stunning return to the Premier League last season for Sunderland last season, with a 7th-placed finish leading to European football on Wearside for the first time in over 50 years.

The Black Cats kick off their Europa League campaign against AZ Alkmaar on Wednesday, and we're tipping them for a win on what should be an emotional night at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland have four points from four games, but gave Arsenal a real go at the weekend, and are a match for anyone at home. AZ Alkmaar have started the season in flying form, sitting 2nd in the Eredivisie after five wins from six games, so it won't be easy.

We think their fans will get them over the line, and we're predicting a Sunderland win and both teams to score.

• Sunderland vs AZ Alkmaar odds

Two former Portuguese Premier League managers meet in Italy as AC Milan take on Benfica at San Siro. Ex-Man Utd gaffer Ruben Amorim is now in charge of Milan, while Marco Silva joined Benfica from Fulham in the summer.

Both are enjoying unbeaten domestic starts. The Rossoneri are 6th in Serie A after two wins and two draws, but the draws were in tough away trips to Juventus and Lazio. Benfica are 2nd in Liga Portugal with five wins in a draw, as they seamlessly adapt to life after Jose Mourinho.

It should be another tightly contested affair between two sides who will fancy their chances of winning the Europa League outright, but we think Milan will have just about enough to edge past Benfica.

Both teams have scored in three of Amorim's four games, while in Benfica's Europa League qualifying rounds, both teams scored in five of their six games. So again, we'll back a Milan win and BTTS.

• AC Milan vs Benfica odds

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All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.