Sunderland travel to Portsmouth in League One Last time out Sunderland beat Bristol Rovers and Portsmouth drew at Barnsley. The Black Cats make the long journey down to the south coast to face Kenny Jackett’s table topping Pompey. Jon McLaughlin is a major concern after being subbed on Saturday, Reece James and Tom Flanagan could both return to the squad after minor injuries, but Charlie Wyke is not available until Boxing Day at the earliest. Jack Ross: “It was an ankle injury that Reece suffered in the warm-up. It shouldn’t be too bad and hopefully it will be no longer than a few days. It was a bit like with Chris (Maguire) at Walsall a couple of weeks ago when he was injured in the warm-up. When you have any concerns about that I would prefer to make the change prior to kick-off than in the first 10 minutes because, as you could see during the game, you can have unforeseen things happen like having to change your goalkeeper, which restricts you in terms of the subs you can make.“ “Tom got a knock against Walsall and he has taken a bit longer to recover from it than we thought. I would be hopeful that he will have a chance for next weekend, although it is not definite.” “Jon is OK. He suffered a back spasm early in the half and it is one where he could possibly have continued, but he is experienced enough and sensible enough to realise that it might have affected his ability to make a save in the game. I think with injuries like that it was the right thing to do for him to come off. Again, I’m hopeful that it won’t rule him out for too long.” "What Portsmouth have done has been fantastic - to lead the table so long and be consistent. The last couple of weeks has allowed us to narrow that gap. Whoever wins, it won't define the season." Kenny Jackett: "At the moment I’m not sure how big the gap is between this league and the one above, but I’d like to find out." “All we can do currently is focus on the level we’re at, which is very strong and there’s plenty of competition.” “They’ve been able to keep their squad together, build again and they are doing everything they can to bounce back.” “I’m sure they will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season, but there are a lot of good sides towards the top of this division. We’re pleased that we’re in that mix.” Prutton predicts: 2-2 Match Appointments Referee: PETER BANKES Assistant Referees: Daniel Leach and Timothy Wood Fourth Official : Nigel Lugg Team Line ups Sunderland: McLaughlin, Matthews, Loovens, Baldwin, Oviedo, Cattermole, Honeyman (c), Power, Gooch, McGeady, Maja Subs: Ruiter, Ozturk, James, O’Nien, Maguire, Watmore, Sinclair Injured: Love, Hume, Robson Portsmouth: MacGillivray, Thompson, Whatmough, Clarke, Brown, Naylor, Thompson, Lowe, Evans, Curtis, Hawkins Substitutes: Bass, Burgess, Walkes, Close, Donohue, Green, Pitman Injured: McGee, Wheeler Betting Odds: H 11/10 A 5/2 D 12/5 My two pence: Pompey seem to play better away from home, but this game is a sell out and everyone will be fired up to try and finish the year on a high. Then again our players seem to play better in the big games, so I'm really looking forward to watching this one from the Milton End. My guess is a 2-2 draw. There are a few Pompey fans in the office, so I’m hoping that we get a result, otherwise it's going to get a bit awkward in the new year. Ha’way the Lads
Yeah I fancy us to get a “statement” win in this one - dunno why, I just got that feeling!! 0-2 to the lads. Bart
Yes. Can’t remember the year , but we were competing with Forest for top spot (also Boro). We went to Forest , midweek, and squashed them 4-1 . This could be similar scenario . Hope so
If we win - this could be the start of a runaway train in my opinion. If we lose, brought back down to earth and will probably be scrapping for second place. I am expecting a draw in all honesty, and would just about take one if offered.
As ever, be happy with a point away, especially this one. If we can sneak a win or even better, play them off the park I’ll be delighted . We’re showing durability at the minute so hopefully we can start with a strong 11, have a ref that’s consistent and have a right go at it.
I don't think it's going to be a win but... a draw, plus a win from the delayed fixture which looked like a draw a week ago and things are looking rosy!
That seems to be the view of most Pompey fans. https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/20...t-sunderland-in-a-very-close-game-on-saturday
Thats fair enough, they are top of the league..scoring goals and obviously feeling confident. However we also feeling quite good about ourselves...so lets see.
One of those grounds I always wanted to go to but never got there. Doubt I'll get chance now until my kids are gone and I no longer need to sing for a living!!
We've looked better against teams who play football this season than the "cloggers" who go out to kick players. Pompey are playing well. Barnsley were the best side (IMO) that we've played at home this season. Think it'll be a close game - I'd be happy with a draw to be honest
Will be well happy with a draw mainly as it will keep the status quo regarding our games in hand on Pompey. Plus it could be veiwed as the home team ‘dropping’ 2 points. But as someone has already said I could handle a defeat as long as we put up a good show and didn’t look 2nd best. Then we keep the good vibes that are so obviously in the dressing room at the moment. KTF
I'm slightly surprised that the TV people haven't hi-jacked this game. Due to form and position in the league, not discounting previous history of where clubs have been, this has to be the biggest game in league one so far this season.
