How Sunderland boss Phil Parkinson rates Portsmouth's promotion hopes and squad

That’s despite the Blues’ indifferent start to the 2020-21 League One campaign.

Kenny Jackett’s side head to the Stadium of Light tomorrow on the back of a 2-0 away win at Gillingham on Tuesday night.

However, Pompey have already lost twice this term – both at Fratton Park – to leave them eighth in the table.

SEE ALSO: Who makes our Pompey/Sunderland combined starting XI

Fifth-placed Sunderland go into the latest match-up – the eighth game between the two clubs in less than two years – in much better form.

They remain unbeaten with four wins and two draws from their six leagues games played to date.

Meanwhile, the Black Cats have conceded just one goal in that time.

The hosts go into the game as favourites.

But Parkinson is in no doubt of the quality Pompey possess and their promotion capabilities.

He told the Sunderland Echo: ‘There’s no doubt about it that Portsmouth will be a team who will be up and around the top six.

‘They’ve had a few indifferent results, obviously they had a good one in midweek against Gillingham, and I think the games against perceived rivals at the top end of the table have got that little bit of added importance.

‘If you do get the points, you’re stopping a rival getting anything to add to their tally.

‘They’ve had a couple of defeats, Doncaster and Wigan, and the Wigan one in particular was a little bit of surprise.

‘But they’ve got good players and a decent squad.’

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