Portsmouth host Sunderland at a packed-out Fratton Park

A win for Kenny Jackett’s men could see them rise to fourth in the table, if other results were to go in their favour.

Pompey, who remain unbeaten in 2020, have just three defeats to their name in their last 27 games. The Blues will be desperate to continue this excellent form by tackling one of their promotion rivals.

It would also be an eighth consecutive victory for the home side, which would emphatically send out a statement to the teams around them.

Sunderland travel down south on a decent run themselves, an unbeaten streak that’s lasted nine games so far, has seen them significantly climb the table.

Manager Phil Parkinson has guided his team back into the play-off picture after a shaky start to his reign as Sunderland boss. The 52-year-old looks to have steadied the ship at the Stadium of Light, as they too will be looking to gain promotion to the Championship this campaign.

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Pompey have no new injury concerns, with midfielder Bryn Morris the only long-term absentee. Lee Brown and Ross McCrorie are back in contention for the Blues after recovering from their respective injuries.

Vice-captain Brown will find it exceptionally hard to push new arrival Steve Seddon out of the starting line-up. That comes after the left-back has played a part in eight goals in his first six appearances.

This form shown by Seddon has even made Jackett consider using Brown as a left sided centre-half. Discussions have taken place with his assistant Joe Gallen regarding whether this concept could be made reality.

Here’s what Gallen had to say on the matter:

“We have spoken about it. In the last few weeks we have spoken about it.

“He could play a couple of games there, but if a 6ft 4in striker went and played on him, I think things could get difficult.

“That would be a tall order for Lee, but I think he could go there within a game and play some matches there.”

Meanwhile, Sunderland have just announced the signing of Swansea wing-back Declan John on loan for the rest of the season. However, the 24-year-old is unavailable for team selection tomorrow.

Manager Phil Parkinson was happy to get this one over the line:

“I’m pleased to welcome Declan to the club. He’s another good addition to the squad and provides added depth in an area of the pitch we have been working to strengthen.

“Unfortunately he’s unavailable this weekend, but we look forward to him joining the squad next week.”

The Black Cats look set to travel to Fratton Park with the squad they have. Although they remain hopeful of late additions to the squad, it seems unlikely for them to be completed before the 11pm deadline.

So there is a strong chance Parkinson will field an unchanged side to midweek, where his side beat Tranmere 1-0.

Winger Aiden McGeady became the first deadline-day transfer, as he left the club to sign for Charlton on loan for the remainder of the season.