Pompey have already faced off against three of the sides who were heavy favourites for promotion before the Championship campaign began. But things do not get any easier for John Mousinho's men, with table-topping Sunderland the latest visitors to Fratton Park on Saturday (3pm kick-off). It might still be early days, but the Wearsiders have romped to three successive league victories and are yet to concede a single goal. A 2-0 triumph at Cardiff on the opening day was followed by back-to-back Stadium of Light success against Sheffield Wednesday (4-0) and Burnley (1-0). The only blot in the copybook came in the Carabao Cup, where the Black Cats slipped to a 2-0 first round defeat at Preston. Régis Le Bris is the man tasked with trying to maintain their fine run of form, having been appointed head coach in June following his departure from Lorient. And the signs are looking promising that he can enjoy an improvement on last season, when the club finished 16th and were just six points above the drop zone. The last Fratton contest between the sides was a soggy League One affair in October 2021 that saw Pompey storm to a 4-0 victory, courtesy of a John Marquis brace and goals from Marcus Harness and Lee Brown. TEAM NEWS Jacob Farrell (ankle), Tom McIntyre (hamstring), Josh Murphy (ankle) and Regan Poole (knee) are all missing, despite returning to training. Colby Bishop is still absent as he continues his recovery from heart surgery, but Conor Shaughnessy could return. Freddie Potts and Mark O'Mahony could feature after arriving on loan from West Ham and Brighton respectively earlier in the week. Aji Alese (ankle), Niall Huggins (knee) and Jenson Seelt (knee) are all missing for Sunderland, who have Dan Neil suspended following his red card against Burnley last week. VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM Read the thoughts of John Mousinho ahead of the big game. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 37 wins Sunderland: 41 wins 35 draws At Fratton Park Pompey: 26 wins Sunderland: 12 wins 18 draws Last Home Meeting Pompey 4 (Harness, Brown, Marquis 2) Sunderland 0 League One October 2 2021 TICKETS Seats have sold out, although the ticket exchange will remain open until two hours before kick-off. Click here to read our matchday guide to find out what is happening around the ground ahead of the game. OFFICIALS Referee: Sam Allison Assistants: Andrew Fox and Robert Hyde Fourth Official: Ruebyn Ricardo Sam Allison last took charge of a Pompey game when they were beat Cambridge 3-1 at Fratton Park in February last season, showing two yellow cards to the hosts and five to the visitors. MATCH COVERAGE Supporters based overseas can watch the game on Pompey+, either through a monthly/annual subscription or by purchasing a match pass. The matchday show is live before the game for Pompey+ subscribers and overseas fans with a video subscription/match pass. George Wedlake will be joined in the Fratton Park studio by Andy Awford and Paul Robinson. Fans can get involved by sending messages and voicenotes to our Pompey+ WhatsApp channel* on +44 7457 413694 or via this link. Please note that the half-time and post-match shows are only available for fans in regions where the game is being shown live on Pompey+. Audio commentary from Andrew Moon and Guy Whittingham is available for Pompey+ subscribers or those who purchase an audio subscription/match pass. Click here for more details about using Pompey+, including the answers to some frequently asked questions. Locally-based fans who are not going to the game can listen as always via BBC Radio Solent or Express FM (not available online).
This was the game I was planning on going to until I realised game tickets had been released ages beforehand and the ticket news page on the website hadn't been updated, so as it turned out there were barely any tickets left by the time I realised... But on the brightside, it's on cricfree. Was contemplating going to one of the few non-league sides in the area I haven't been to add it to my map as D&D is not on this week, but frankly I'd rather watch Portsmouth on some dodgy stream. Then I will go to Morrisons after the game. What an exciting life I lead!
Still no sign of centre half Connor O'Shaughnessy, so right back Jordan Williams continues alongside Ryley Towler. Kusini Yengi starts on the bench, with Christian Saydee playing in attack. Good to see Matt Ritchie starting the game, with Paddy Lane on the bench. Seven of our recent signings are on the bench, so plenty to chose from when the gaffer decides to make any substitutions.
Attempt saved. Connor Ogilvie's header from the centre of the box is saved in the top centre of the goal. Assisted by Matt Ritchie with a cross. 13 minutes.
0-1, as Will Norris makes a fine save from a Sunderland player, the ball bounces loose, and Jordan Williams' attempted clearance hits Zak Swanson and hits the back of the net for an unlucky own goal. 31 minutes.
Sam Silvera right footed shot from outside the box is too high following a set piece situation. 34 minutes.
Matt Ritchie's left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top centre of the goal. Assisted by Marlon Pack. 41 minutes.
Half time whistle. 0-1 down, but even we had to score the goal for them! Bearing in mind our lack of central defenders due to injuries, it could have been worse.
Half Time Match Stats:- Shots: Portsmouth 3Sunderland 3 Shots on target: Portsmouth 2Sunderland 1 Shots off target: Portsmouth 1Sunderland 1 Blocked shots: Portsmouth 0Sunderland 1 Overall Possession: POR 49.5% SUN 50.5% Fouls: Pompey 5 Sunderland 8
