Sunderland v AZ, Milan v Benfica and more: Europa League clockwatch – live

Sunderland’s only previous European campaign came in 1973-74, when they balanced a Division Two campaign with fixtures against Hungary’s Vasas and Sporting of Portugal, whose players spent time with the locals before losing 2-1 at Roker Park. A 2-0 victory back in Lisbon was enough to end Sunderland’s continental ambitions … until now.

After an extraordinary return to the Premier League and a seventh-place finish, Sunderland have another ticket to Europe, this time with eight fixtures guaranteed. First to visit the Stadium of Light are Dutch outfit AZ, mainstays of the Europa and Conference Leagues, who will offer a fair test of their hosts’ readiness for the long road towards the final in Frankfurt.

There are some big dogs in this year’s 36-team league phase – perhaps none bigger than seven-times European champions, Milan, who host Benfica in a high-ticket opening game. We’ll also get a first look at Lyon (away to Anderlecht) and Leverkusen (hosting Celje of Slovenia), so keep it locked.