Can Sunderland continue their impressive run of form with a win at Fratton Park?

Sunderland look to make it seven games unbeaten in Sky Bet League One as they travel to Portsmouth on Tuesday night.

It’s a midweek fixture filled with significance, as both teams set their sights on automatic promotion places.

Portsmouth and Sunderland are two historic clubs that have enjoyed spells in the Premier League, but it’s been years since the pairing last featured in the top-flight.

It’s Sunderland’s fourth season in the EFL, whereas it’s been 11 years since Pompey last featured in the Premier League. Both clubs’ struggle has epitomized how hard it is to bounce back straight away from relegation.

The Black Cats are enjoying a six-game unbeaten streak and have lost just once in their previous 11 league matches. Lee Johnson’s men have won two on the bounce, beating Swindon Town and Rochdale, keeping two clean sheets in the process.

Sunderland defeated Rochdale 2-0 on Saturday, scoring both of their shots on target. Experienced winger Aiden McGeady delivered a pin-point free-kick which was headed home by defender Dion Sanderson after seven minutes of play.

Charlie Wyke inevitably doubled the scoring after firing Jordan Jones’ mouth-watering cross past Gavin Bazunu. It was the centre forward’s 25^th goal in 38 appearances. Wyke’s aerial threat could cause havoc in Portsmouth’s 18-yard box considering they conceded two goals from set-pieces in their 4-1 loss against Northampton on Saturday.

Pompey’s embarrassing first-half performance against Northampton resulted in Kenny Jackett’s third consecutive game without a win, allowing the likes of Accrington Stanley and Ipswich Town to close down their grip on a play-off place.

The hosts ragged run of form is piling pressure on manager Jackett as the south-coast side require promotion this season.

Portsmouth won 3-1 in the reverse fixture back in October and apart from the play-offs, the hosts have lost just one of their last 10 league meetings with Sunderland, winning six and drawing three. Sunderland have lost five of their previous six away meetings with Pompey, with the last away victory being in 1997.

The visitors are strong away from the Stadium of Light. Lee Johnson’s men have lost just once in their previous 15 away matches in the division.

Portsmouth’s injury doubts are Callum Johnson, Haji Mnoga and Alex Bass. However, Michael Jacobs be in contention after suffering from a hamstring injury.

The physio’s at Sunderland currently have their work cut out. For the visitors, Jordan Willis and Arbenit Xhemajli are sidelined with long-term knee injuries. Conor McLaughlin, Grant Leadbitter, Bailey Wright, Tom Flanagan, and Denver Hume are all set to be sidelined whilst attacking midfielder Lynden Gooch is a doubt with a calf issue.

Ben Haywood will be providing live coverage at Fratton Park as Pompey host the Black Cats in a must win fixture for both sides.

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