Sunderlandvs.Portsmouth

The promotion-chasing hosts are sitting in fourth place in the Championship table, while Pompey will head into the weekend in 21st position.

Match preview

Sunderland experienced an underwhelming end to 2024, conceding a late equaliser in a 2-2 away draw against Blackburn Rovers, before falling to a narrow defeat in their meeting with Stoke City at the bet365 Stadium.

After taking just one point from those two away games, the Black Cats returned to the Stadium of Light to kick off the new year with a 2-1 win over promotion rivals Sheffield United.

Eliezer Mayenda saw his opener cancelled out by Luke O'Nien's equaliser, before Wilson Isidor restored Sunderland's lead in the 35th minute with what proved to be the winning goal.

That result represents Sunderland's third win in four home matches, helping them maintain their unbeaten record at the Stadium of Light this season.

In fact, Regis Le Bris's side are one of two teams yet to lose a Championship home game this term, having won eight and drawn four of their 12 league matches in front of their supporters.

They will look to maintain that impressive record in Sunday's clash against Portsmouth, with the hosts aiming to complete a league double after running out 3-1 winners in August's reverse fixture.

While Sunderland are battling for promotion, Pompey are fighting to retain their Championship status as they look to avoid an immediate return to League One.

Portsmouth bounced back from consecutive away defeats with a dominant 4-0 win in their New Year's Day meeting with Swansea City at Fratton Park.

Josh Murphy and Paddy Lane grabbed a goal apiece in the opening half-hour, before Ryley Towler and Colby Bishop found the net in the second half to wrap up a fourth win in five home matches (D1).

As a result of Wednesday's commanding victory, John Mousinho's side moved out of the Championship relegation zone, leaving them one point clear of the bottom three ahead of the weekend's round of fixtures.

While Pompey have enjoyed success in recent home outings, they have been unable to carry that form onto their travels, demonstrated by the fact they have won just one of their 12 Championship road trips this term (D4, L7).

Only Plymouth Argyle (35) have conceded more away league goals than Portsmouth (29) this season, suggesting they may have their work cut out to thwart a Sunderland side that will begin the weekend as the division's fourth-highest scorers.

Sunderland Championship form:

D

W

W

D

L

W

Portsmouth Championship form:

D

L

W

L

L

W

Team News

Le Bris has confirmed that he will have to cope without Dan Ballard's services for a third straight game, with the Sunderland boss reluctant to take any risks with the central defender.

The hosts are also without Chris Rigg, Alan Browne, Salis Abdul Samed, Ahmed Abdullahi, Romaine Mundle, Ian Poveda and Tommy Watson.

Full-back Dennis Cirkin could be recalled to the side to feature in a back four with Trai Hume, Chris Mepham and Luke O'Nien.

As for the visitors, they are expected to be without Ibane Bowat, Conor Shaughnessy, Regan Poole, Mark O'Mahony, Kusini Yengi and Harvey Blair.

Australian defender Jacob Farrell is closing in on a return to action, but it remains to be seen whether he will be ready for the weekend.

After seeing his side sweep past Swansea on Wednesday, Mousinho could decide to select an unchanged lineup for Sunday's away fixture.

Sunderland possible starting lineup:

Patterson; Hume, Mepham, O'Nien, Cirkin; Neil, Bellingham; Roberts, Mayenda, Aouchiche; Isidor

Portsmouth possible starting lineup:

Schmid; Swanson, Pack, Towler, Ogilvie; Potts, Dozzell; Lane, Lang, Murphy; Bishop

We say: Sunderland 3-1 Portsmouth

Written by

Ben Sully

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