Sunderland vs Portsmouth – Match Preview & Prediction

The Black Cats have the chance to move to within 3 points of the top of the table, as they take on relegation threatened Portsmouth at The Stadium of Light.

Last time out, Sunderland won a vital game against fellow promotion hopefuls, Sheffield United, thanks to goals from Eliezer Mayenda and Wilson Isidor to move within 2 points of the top 2.

The visitors, Portsmouth, won a vital game themselves, beating Swansea 4-0 in their last game to climb out the relegation zone.

They currently sit 21st, only out of the bottom 3 on goal difference, but they have 3 games in hand on most of the teams around them.

Sunderland have won 3 of their last 4 matches against Pompey, losing 1 in that time.

When they met back in August at Fratton Park, The Black Cats came out 1-3 winners, thanks to an own goal and goals from Alan Browne and Romaine Mundle.

If Sunderland were to take all 3 points, it would be the first time they have completed a league double against Pompey since the 1997-98 campaign.

The Black Cats and Pompey formed a feisty rivalry during their time in League One, due to the 2 sides being the Giants in the division.

Sunderland will also be hoping to remain unbeaten at home this season, to give themselves the best chance in staying in the promotion race.

Team News

Dan Ballard will miss out again, but he is expected to return very soon.

Salis Abdul Samed is now in full training, and could be in contention for the first time since joining the club in the summer.

Prediction

Sunderland 3-0 Portsmouth

Scorers – Wilson Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda x2.