The last time Sunderland played Portsmouth at the Stadium of Light, it was a League One fixture. Going back 15 years, it was a Premier League game. Now, it’s a clash between two teams at opposite ends of the Championship table.
Sunderland are at the Stadium of Light once again on Sunday, this time welcoming a Portsmouth side who currently sit in 21st place of the Championship table.
Last time out, Sunderland beat Sheffield United 2-1 in an enthralling game at the top of the table. Portsmouth meanwhile beat Swansea City 4-0 on home soil, so the visit of John Mousinho’s side on Sunday will bring a different challenge to Regis Le Bris.
As things stand, the Black Cats are two points outside the top two, currently sitting in 4th. On Saturday, leaders Leeds United travel to Hull City, 2nd place Burnley head to Blackburn Rovers in a Lancashire derby, whilst the 3rd place Blades head to Watford.
| 1 | Leeds | 25 | 15 | 7 | 3 | 45 | 16 | 29 | 52 |
| 2 | Burnley | 25 | 13 | 10 | 2 | 30 | 9 | 21 | 49 |
| 3 | Sheffield Utd | 25 | 15 | 6 | 4 | 34 | 16 | 18 | 49 |
| 4 | Sunderland | 25 | 13 | 8 | 4 | 38 | 22 | 16 | 47 |
| 5 | Middlesbrough | 25 | 11 | 7 | 7 | 42 | 31 | 11 | 40 |
| 6 | West Brom | 25 | 9 | 12 | 4 | 31 | 20 | 11 | 39 |
EFL expert predicts Sunderland whitewash vs Portsmouth
Speaking on the Championship Check In podcast, EFL expert Benjamin Bloom gave his score prediction for the game between Sunderland and Portsmouth, which kicks off at the Stadium of Light at 3pm on Sunday.
Bloom said: “I do like Pompey’s attack line. If you think about it, when [Colby] Bishop’s there, and [Josh] Murphy, and [Callum] Lang are all there, they’re worth a goal.
“But, I do have big respect for Sunderland’s defensive set up and what Regis Le Bris has done there, so I’ll take a 3-0.”
In the reverse fixture at Fratton Park earlier in the season, Sunderland beat Portsmouth 3-1 in what was their fourth Championship game of the season. Zan Swanson scored an own goal for Pompey, whilst Alan Browne and Romaine Mundle added the other goals.
Sunderland vs Portsmouth H2H
Sunderland last played Portsmouth on Wearside back in 2022. The Black Cats won the game 1-0 thanks to an Elliot Embleton goal, in the season that Sunderland won promotion to the Championship.
The Black Cats have won two of their last three home games against Portsmouth. Pompey’s last win on Wearside was a 3-1 win in the 2020/21 League One campaign, and the last time they won away at Sunderland before that was in the 2008/09 Premier League season.
Of the last ten meetings between the two sides, Sunderland have won five and Portsmouth have won three.
Sunday’s game will be shown live on Sky Sports Football, Sky Sports +, and also Sky Go.