Pompey and Sunderland have developed a fierce rivalry over the past couple of seasons. Both are big clubs who fell on hard times and have a large and passionate fan-base eager to see them escape League One as soon as possible. Of course, a fixture that normally attracts a healthy crowd will have to take place behind closed doors this weekend. Each side has had their chance to celebrate after recent fixtures, with the Black Cats enjoying play-off success at the end of the 2018/19 campaign. That contest, however, came a few weeks after the Blues had memorably battled from behind to enjoy a penalty shoot-out triumph at Wembley in the EFL Trophy final. Sunderland are currently the only unbeaten side in English football’s third tier, having won four and drawn two of their six league fixtures. Luke Offord’s own-goal was enough for them to secure the points against Crewe at the Stadium of Light earlier in the week. The result leaves them sitting fifth in the table, three places ahead of Pompey and with a game in hand over all the sides above them. TEAM NEWS Ellis Harrison is out with a hamstring problem, but Jordy Hiwula could make his debut after joining Pompey on a short-term deal. Sunderland also made a signing this week, bringing in defender Callum McFadzean following his departure from Plymouth. Jordan Willis could feature for the hosts after recovering from a foot injury, while Tom Flanagan is available following an ankle problem, but Morgan Feeney (hamstring) and Arbenit Xhemajli (knee) are both out. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 35 wins Sunderland: 39 wins 35 draws At Sunderland Pompey: 9 wins Sunderland: 28 wins 17 draws OFFICIALS Referee: Robert Lewis Assistants: Wayne Grunnill and Kevin Mulraine Fourth Official: James Oldham BETTING Sunderland are the 21/20 favourites with Sky Bet to secure all three points, while the Blues can be backed at 5/2.
Sunderland fan here. Thought i would give a bit of insight into us this season. Defence is outstanding. Quiet simply the best in the league. Problem we are having is scoring goals. We are creating chances but are nowhere near clinical enough. If we start to click up front this will be the closet we go to going up. Interesting team selection for us tomorrow. We have alot of options
Jordy Hiwula could make his debut after joining Pompey on a short-term deal, whilst Ellis Harrison is out with a hamstring injury. He is a very speedy striker or winger, with a real eye for goal. Take a look at the following Youtube video, Julio, and start panicking !!
TBH offer me a point now and I'll say "Thankyou very much" That, and the fact I've put us to lose on the prediction game, - you se where this is heading? Seriously though I'd be delighted with a point today - three would be amazing.
Superb free-kick from Michael Jacobs finds an unmarked Sean Raggett in the box. A powerful header in the box but Burge parries it away. Jacobs with a good corner to follow but it was not met. 14 minutes.
Good hit from Michael Jacobs but it was straight at Burge, who pushed it over for a corner. "Crackers" has been excellent so far. Sunderland win a free-kick from the corner. 17 minutes.
