Match Previews

country flag League 1 Round Play-Off 1/2 Final (2)
Thu 16 May 2019 19:45
Referee
Peter Bankes
Weather at KO
weather icon Partly Cloudy  13oC | Precip: 0% (0 mm) | Wind 4.5 m/s
Travel Info
8 hours coach
Distance
537 KM (Distance Matrix)

Portsmouth

Last updated: Fri 17 May 2019 09:09
In Brief

Looking to overturn a 1:0 deficit from the first leg. Lee Brown and Brett Pitman could both return after surprisingly missing the first leg. No new selection issues.

Looking Back

Portsmouth had their chances, but were still second-best in the first leg of their play-off clash with Sunderland and trail 1:0 from the first leg.

Kenny Jackett stated that he felt that his side lacked balance, with one of the reasons he highlighted being that he did not have a single left-back fit, with Anton Walks having to play out of position.

Looking Ahead

The situation is expected to improve in that regard this time around as Lee Brown, a surprise absentee in the first leg, is now expected to feature.

Brett Pitman was another surprise absentee in the first leg and will also be given every chance to prove his fitness.

Points of Interest

This will be Portsmouth's fifth game against Sunderland this season. Prior to losing the first leg, they were unbeaten in nine games against the Black Cats.

Sunderland

Last updated: Fri 17 May 2019 09:09
In Brief

Hold a narrow lead from the first leg. Aiden McGeady aggravated an injury in the warm-up for the first game and missed out but could feature now. Alim Ozturk was sent off in the first leg but has had his red card rescinded.

Looking Back

Sunderland had the narrowly better of things in the first leg and lead Pompey 1:0 going into the return match.

Jack Ross praised his men after their win in what was their final home game of the season but publicly acknowledged his side's poor recent record against Portsmouth and the size of the task ahead of them.

Looking Ahead

Aiden McGeady aggravated a recurring issue in the warm-up for the previous leg and was subsequently withdrawn. He is now a major doubt.

Alim Ozturk was expected to miss out after being sent off in the first leg. However, his red card was successfully appealed and he will thus be available to feature.

Points of Interest

Sunderland suffered a 3:1 defeat in their previous visit to Portsmouth. It was the only league game this season which they lost by more than two goals.

Suspended
  • ---
Unavailable
Doubtful (chance of availability) Rested
  • ---
Suspended
  • ---
Unavailable
Doubtful (chance of availability) Rested
  • ---

Sunderland

Last updated: Fri 17 May 2019 09:09
In Brief

Hold a narrow lead from the first leg. Aiden McGeady aggravated an injury in the warm-up for the first game and missed out but could feature now. Alim Ozturk was sent off in the first leg but has had his red card rescinded.

Looking Back

Sunderland had the narrowly better of things in the first leg and lead Pompey 1:0 going into the return match.

Jack Ross praised his men after their win in what was their final home game of the season but publicly acknowledged his side's poor recent record against Portsmouth and the size of the task ahead of them.

Looking Ahead

Aiden McGeady aggravated a recurring issue in the warm-up for the previous leg and was subsequently withdrawn. He is now a major doubt.

Alim Ozturk was expected to miss out after being sent off in the first leg. However, his red card was successfully appealed and he will thus be available to feature.

Points of Interest

Sunderland suffered a 3:1 defeat in their previous visit to Portsmouth. It was the only league game this season which they lost by more than two goals.

Suspended
  • ---
Unavailable
Doubtful (chance of availability) Rested
  • ---
Probable Bench

Key

Key players
Regular players
Support players
75% - Chance of availability
Artificial Pitch
Universal Player Grid
Squad Confirmed
Played in Cup fixture
New Information

Team Strength*

Excellent
Good
Satisfactory
Just Adequate
Poor
*Based on Available Players