Lech Poznan v Sunderland: Preview, predicted line-ups and Europa League tips

Sunderland can move to the brink of the Europa League play-offs when they visit Lech Poznan on Thursday night.

The visitors are ninth in the league phase table on six points from two games, with a goal difference of plus two. Lech have lost their last two European games and conceded eight goals in the process.

This is matchday three of eight, so nothing is settled. Even so, a third straight win would leave Sunderland well placed. Defeat for Lech would leave them chasing, with the heavyweights still to come.

Lech began their European campaign with a 1-0 home win and a 5-0 away win over KI Klaksvik, then beat FC Thun 7-0 at home and drew 2-2 away in the next round. The league phase has been much tougher. They lost 4-0 at Crystal Palace on 17 September and were beaten 4-0 at home by Bayer Leverkusen on 15 October. They have scored 15 and conceded 10 in six European games this season.

Sunderland have started cleanly. They beat AZ Alkmaar 1-0 at home on 16 September, then won 2-1 at Torreense on 15 October. They have scored three, conceded one and averaged 21 shots across the two games.

Lech's problem is availability rather than rotation. Four players are confirmed out and two more are doubtful, which limits what the hosts can change after the Leverkusen hammering.

Sunderland have a short injury list in the playing sense, but five names in the feed are listed as off the roster. Squad depth should still be enough to keep the same shape that produced two wins. Expect minimal changes.

Lech Poznan: Lis; Gurgul, Skrzypczak, Bartczak, Pereira; Murawski, Kozubal; Walemark, Jagiello, Pablo Rodriguez; Agnero

Sunderland: Roefs; Mukiele, Danso, Alese, Hume; Xhaka, Sadiki; Rigg, Le Fee, Tuterov; Brobbey

Sunderland's side is a best guess given their doubts. Lech are likely to name a settled back line, as they have little choice.

The game kicks off at 17:45 BST at Stadion Poznan on Thursday 22 October. It is shown on TNT Sports where selected, with the specific channel to be confirmed closer to kick-off.

This is a single league phase match rather than a knockout tie, so there is no extra time or penalty shootout. A draw means a point each.