Sunderland vs Portsmouth. Sky Bet League One.
Stadium of LightAttendance41,129.
Friday 26 April 2019 12:14, UK
Sunderland boss Jack Ross will once again make a late check on winger Aiden McGeady ahead of the club's revenge mission against Sky Bet League One promotion rivals Portsmouth.
The Republic of Ireland international has been playing with painkilling injections after breaking a bone in his foot at Accrington earlier this month, but his condition is being monitored constantly and Ross will take advice from both his medical staff and the player before making his decision.
Ross named an unchanged team for Monday's 1-1 draw with Peterborough, in which they conceded a stoppage-time equaliser to leave themselves two points adrift of Portsmouth, who beat them on penalties in last month's Checkatrade Trophy final at Wembley. Midfielder Chris Maguire made his first appearance since February 19 after recovering from a fractured fibula when he came on as a late substitute against Posh, and Duncan Watmore (ankle ligaments) is the only definite absentee.
Pompey boss Kenny Jackett will run the rule over his battle-weary troops after a gruelling, but ultimately successful, Easter weekend. Victories over Burton and Coventry have left the club leading the pack chasing leaders Luton and second-placed Barnsley, but with fatigue starting to play its part.
Jackett made a double half-time change in Monday's 2-1 home win against the Sky Blues, replacing Gareth Evans and Oliver Hawkins with Ronan Curtis and former Everton striker James Vaughan, although it was Brett Pitman's late strike which completed a comeback victory. On-loan Cardiff striker Omar Bogle will not be involved as the medical staff assess the knee and ankle injuries they fear will sideline him for several weeks.
Sunderland are winless in their last eight games against Portsmouth in all competitions (D3 L5), last recording a victory in January 2008.
Sunderland and Portsmouth met as recently as March 31st in the Football League Trophy final at Wembley, Portsmouth winning 5-4 on penalties after drawing 2-2 in normal-time.
Sunderland have lost just one of their last 22 league games (W10 D11), although they have only won one of their last four matches in League One (D2 L1).
Portsmouth have won seven consecutive league games - their joint-longest winning streak across the top four tiers of English Football.
Having netted just five goals in his opening 22 League One appearances this season, Portsmouth's Brett Pitman has scored six in his last seven for the club.
Is this a bigger game than the Checkatrade Trophy final? It won't have quite the same attendance as a sell-out at Wembley, but the Stadium of Light will be packed to the rafters in what could prove to be a pivotal clash in the battle for promotion.
Sunderland looked almost nailed on for second at one stage, but one win in their last four and Barnsley's resurgence have left them needing snookers to get back into contention. If Portsmouth win their remaining three games then they will be back in the Championship next season, but there is a long way to go between now and then and this one is so tough to call. I think Pompey could nick it.
David Prutton predicts: 1-2 (10/1 with Sky Bet)
