Match Day Thread Sunderland v Portsmouth - Saturday 27th April - KO 15:00

Sunderland host Portsmouth in League One

Last time out Sunderland drew at Peterborough and Portsmouth beat Coventry
This is set to be a huge clash and Jackett is right to show respect to his opponents, but there is no doubt that Portsmouth head into this one with all the momentum behind them having recaptured their early season form in recent weeks. In front of a home crowd, however, it is impossible to rule out Sunderland and you can bet that a packed Stadium of Light will make a difference.
Aiden McGeady's fitness remains up in the air after he damaged his foot in Sunderland's 3-0 win against Accrington Stanley earlier this month. The winger has continued to play an important role in the Black Cats' quest for promotion, but Ross has insisted that precautions are in place to ensure that the 33-year-old doesn't do any further damage.
Speaking at his press conference this afternoon, Jack Ross revealed that he's nearing a fully fit squad once more ahead of the season finale.
Jack Ross:
"He’s (McGeady) got an unusual injury to his foot. It’s to do with the joint in his foot, it’s not really a clear one to describe. It was the result of the way he landed at Accrington, and it’s been quite painful for him, but he’s been desperate to play in these games.”
“When the injury happened, if the medical advice at the time had been that his season was finished, we would have accepted that, both Aiden and myself. We got two or three different opinions, and once we understood that there was a chance of him playing, that changed our thought process a little bit.”
“Then, it became a case of having dialogue between Aiden, myself and the medical department to see if there was a possibility of him being able to play. We got to that position, and he’s been able to do so.”
“His contribution in the games he’s played has still been good. It’s a trade-off at the moment, and if there was a significant deterioration in how he was feeling, we would change our thought process on it. That’s been something we’ve looked at on a day-by-day and week-by-week basis.”
"We’ve never made the decision that we will continue as is until the end of the season, or ruled him out. We’ve just looked at him week by week, and made judgement calls whenever we’ve got closer to a game.”
"There’s obviously quite a few in that group who have only really returned to training this week, but other than Duncan, we’re getting towards everyone at least being back on the training pitch.”
“Whether they’re at full match fitness is another issue, but at least they’re back on the training pitch.”
"Reece and Adam have been back training for a few days. Adam has been out that little bit longer, Reece was out for less time, but they’re both back with the group now. We’ve had a lot of games, so we’ve only been training for a couple of days this week, but they’ve both managed that without any reaction.”
Kenny Jackett:
“It’s a big game that we’re all looking forward to, Sunderland are a very big club and I expect a huge atmosphere on Saturday.”
“Bogle’s injury is improving and improving quickly. He obviously won’t be fit for Saturday. We will see if he can make next week.”

Prutton predicts: 1-2
Match Appointments:
Referee: CRAIG PAWSON
Assistants: Richard West and Scott Ledger
Fourth Official: Thomas Bramall

Team Line ups
Sunderland: McLaughlan, O’Nien, Dunne, Ozturk, Oviedo, Power, Cattermole, Honeyman, Morgan, Wyke, McGeady

Subs: Ruiter, Flanagan, Baldwin, Gooch, Leadbitter, Maguire, Grigg
Injured: Love, Watmore, Matthews, James

Portsmouth: (4-2-3-1): MacGillivray; Thompson, Burgess, Clarke, Brown; Naylor, Close; Lowe, Pitman (c), Evans; Hawkins
Subs: Bass, Haunstrup, Morris, Solomon-Otabor, Walkes, Vaughan, Curtis
Injured: Bogle

Betting Odds:
Home 6/5 Away 23/10 Draw 21/10

My two pence:
After a disappointing draw at Peterborough we really do have to win this one to get back on track, and hope that Barnsley slip up at home to Blackpool or away to Bristol Rovers.
My guess is a reverse of the away fixture, a 3-1 home win

Ha’way the Lads

 

I can only see a draw, and Barnsley pissing themselves

 

Notice there is a premier league ref in charge has he been dropped or the importance of the game merits it?

 

I'm on nights tonight, but will still be out sharp for a few pre match bevvies tomorrow.. This is a massive game and I hope Sunderland really do the business.. PS.. If anyone is not using their season card tomorrow, I know a young lad who goes to every game he can afford, but is struggling for this one..

 

I'll be in The Victory with Smug and Graham, Whitey

This is an open invitation, if anybody else fancies it

 

I'm going to Railway first to have a game of snooker with our Chris, but will try and get over there after that..

 

2-0 to the lads to keep us on the roller coaster ......come on.

 

Yeah - I can't see a specific reason for him being in charge as he has mainly done premier league games. He did get criticised by Klopp but don't all refs?
He has given 86 yellows and 5 reds from 25 games this season so it could be interesting to say the least.

 

Hopefully it means Portsmouth won't get away with kicking us off the pitch

 

Fancie us For the win and have everything crossed that Barnsley **** up.

 

Cheers Chris.........

 

We have to win and we will.

 

Cannot see us winning, so it’s a 1-1 for me.

Playoffs here we come!!

Bart

 

Mr 55p i see me pissing myself and Barnsley drawing, us winning and onto the amazing end to the season. Bogle a key player could be missing for them(Pompey). Come on Blackpool ! i also worry that coventry can still make the play offs if only just so also come on Doncaster as well.

 

Got a mention from Monty!!!!!! In your face the lot of you !!!!!!!!

 

Yes but he's on his happy pills - he's never that positive!!

 

Just made it to Beamish on the bike, left Whitehaven on Wednesday with a couple of mates heading for the match Saturday. A fair few sherberts will be getting supped in the Cliff tonight

Looking forward to the match. We know we can beat this lot, we just have to be clinical and close them out. Even better if Barnsley trip up...

 

I presume that you've still got to cycle to Roker to complete the journey, Nordic, and have your fotie taken at the end marker

 

yes mate. just stopped off for a pub lunch and couple of pints in Beamish. it's about an hour to Roker from here. Stayed overnight in Stanhope. Crawleyside is appropriately named, ****ing hell..good morning!

 

TBH I am going, but not looking forward to one bit, unless Barnsley lose their next 2 games and we win the next 3.

Unfortunately I think Luton and Barnsley dominating the best team for the 3rd division is correct