Portsmouth Vs Sunderland

Sunderland travel to the south coast looking to salvage some pride after an embarrassing home thrashing against bitter rivals Newcastle. Portsmouth will be expecting nothing less than a win against Sunderland to boost their survival chances.

Vital Quotes:

Kevin Ball:

‘I don’t want the players to lose the faith and the progress they made in 90 minutes at Old Trafford and for 60 minutes against Newcastle.

‘We have a lot of pride to play for between now and the end of the season. It doesn’t matter who we are playing after Monday, all I want is some pride back.

‘I’m delighted to be going back to my old club that I have a great affinity with their supporters. They are very passionate, just like our own.’

Pompey boss Harry Redknapp:

‘It would be an insult to Sunderland to say we have the chance to rack up our goal-difference against them. So long as we get three points I will be delighted.

‘But if anybody thinks this is going to be easy they should think again. Okay, Sunderland crumbled in the second-half against Newcastle on Monday but not against Everton a couple of weeks earlier when they got a 2-2 draw.

‘And people have only to look at then getting a point at Old Trafford last Friday to see what a resolute side they are away from home.’

Portsmouth Team News:

Lomana LuaLua faces a late fitness test on his foot while Dejan Stefanovic and Andy O’Brien are also doubtful with thigh and hamstring problems respectively.

Midfielders Gary O’Neil and Pedro Mendes should be fit to start the game however.

Player to watch: Lomano Lua Lua

Should he pass a fitness test the former Newcastle player will be looking to get one over the Sunderland fans who will no doubt be giving him stick for his former ties to Tyneside. His pace and trickery may well be Portsmouth’s main attacking threat.

Sunderland Team News:

Rory Delap and Stephen Elliot’s seasons are over, with abroken nose and a hamstring problem respectively putting paid to this miserable term. Kevin Kyle may start after an impressive brace for the reserves midweek while Julio Arca and Grant Leadbitter may force Daryl Murphy and Tommy Miller out of the team.

Player to watch: Jon Stead

Providing he starts, which he should, he will be hoping to build on his promising performances against Man Utd and Newcastle, where he was unlucky to be taken off instead of Chris Brown. His touches and skillful dribbling have been a recent plus point for the Wearsiders.

Match Facts & Stats

HEAD TO HEAD TOTALS
League: Portsmouth 27 wins, Sunderland 34, Draws 30
Prem: Portsmouth 1 win, Sunderland 0, Draws 0

HEAD TO HEAD at Portsmouth
League: Portsmouth 19 wins, Sunderland 11, Draws 15
Prem: Portsmouth 0 wins, Sunderland 0, Draws 0

Ref Watch:

Mike Dean (Wirral)

Match Prediction:

Sunderland will be no pushover after Monday’s capitulation, Bally will have them fired up to make amends to the long-suffering fans. But ultimately, Portsmouth want and need this result more. 2-0