Portsmouth v Sunderland: team news, match-day odds and form guides ahead of Fratton Park fixture
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The game represents a key battle in the overall race to reach the Championship.
Here’s all you need to know about the game...
Pompey Team News
Kenny Jackett will once again have a near full-strength squad to chose from for the visit of Sunderland.
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Hide AdOnly Bryn Morris remains on the sidelines – but he hasn’t made an appearance all season because of an abdomen problem.
It means Jackett having to leave some establish first-team players out of his match-day squad entirely once again.
Brett Pitman, Brandon Haunstrup, Oli Hawkins and Paul Downing failed to make the trip to Lincoln in midweek, while Gareth Evans travelled without making the bench for the 2-0 win at Sincil Bank.
The Blues are likely to stick with the same squad for the game against the Black Cats.
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Hide AdSean Raggett was the only doubt after he picked up a foot injury in the win against the Imps – but the centre-back has been declared fit.
Likely line-up: Alex Bass, James Bolton, Christian Burgess, Sean Raggett, Steve Seddon, Tom Naylor, Cameron McGeehan, Ryan Williams, Andy Cannon, Ronan Curtis, John Marquis Subs: Craig MacGillivray, Lee Brown, Jack Whatmough, Marcus Harness, Ross McCrorie, Ellis Harrison, Ben Close.
Sunderland Team News
Sunderland won’t have Aiden McGeady – a key player in the Black Cats’ battles with the Blues last season – in their ranks for the trip to Fratton Park.
The Irish winger moved to Charlton on loan on transfer deadline day for the remainder of the campaign.
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Hide AdThe Black Cats will also be unable to field new-boy Declan John, whose arrival late on Friday came after the registration deadline for today’s game.
However, fellow new-boy Antoine Semenyo is in the squad after he was registered on time.
Jordan Willis, who was linked with Pompey during the summer, is set to start in central defence, while another January signing, Josh Scowen, could be handed his full debut.
Ex-Pompey forward Chris Maguire is expected to feature from the outset.
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Hide AdDuncan Whatmore is a doubt after he sat out Sunderland's victory over Tranmere in midweek.
Likely line-up: Jon McLaughlin, Bailey Wright, Jordan Willis, Joel Lynch, Luke O’Nien, George Dobson, Max Power, Denver Hume, Chris Maguire, Charlie Wyke, Lynden Gooch Subs: Lee Burge, Conor McLaughlin, Kyle Lafferty, Tom Flanagan, Grant Leadbitter, Josh Scowen, Antoine Semenyo.
Match Odds
Pompey: 6/5
1-0 10/2, 2-0 17/2, 2-1 15/2, 3-0 20/1, 3-1 18/1, 3-2 33/1.
Draw: 21/10
0-0 13/2, 1-1 24/5, 2-2 14/1, 3-3 80/1.
Sunderland: 12/5
1-0 15/2, 2-0 16/1, 2-1 10/1, 3-0 35/1, 3-1 33/1, 3-2 40/1.
Referee
Christopher Sarginson (Staffordshire)
Head to Head
Pompey
P39 W23 D9 L7
Top Scorer: Ronan Curtis (13)
Most Appearances: Ben Close and John Marquis (both 36)
Most Assists: Ryan Williams (7)
Sunderland
P36 W16 D12 L8
Top Scorer: Chris Maguire (10)
Most Appearances: Luke O’Nien (34)
Most Assists: Chris Maguire (6)
Form Guide
Pompey
W 2-0 (A) Lincoln League One
W 4-2 (H) Barnsley FA Cup
W 2-1 (H) Scunthorpe EFL Trophy
W 1-0 (A) Bolton League One
W 2-1 (H) AFC Wimbledon League One
Sunderland
W 1-0 (A) Tranmere League One
D 0-0 (H) Doncaster League One
W 1-0 (A) MK Dons League One
W 4-0 (H) Wycombe League One
W 3-1 (H) Lincoln League One
Other Fixtures (3pm kick-offs unless stated)
Accrington Stanley v AFC Wimbledon, Bolton Wanderers v Tranmere, Bristol Rovers v Coventry City, Fleetwood Town v Doncaster Rovers, Ipswich Town v Peterborough, MK Dons v Wycombe Wanderers, Oxford United v Blackpool, Rochdale v Shrewsbury, Rotherham v Burton Albion, Southend v Lincoln
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