Sunderland AFC will host Portsmouth FC at the Stadium of Light on Sunday, January 5, 2025, for an eagerly anticipated Championship clash. With both teams coming off impressive victories, the match promises to be thrilling as Sunderland aims to solidify their position for promotion and Portsmouth strives to escape relegation.
Sunderland enters the match with high spirits after recently defeating Sheffield United 2-1, moving them up to fourth place on the EFL Championship table with 47 points, just five points behind current league leaders, Leeds United. The Black Cats are solid contenders for promotion this season, and their manager, Regis Le Bris, has praised the team’s resilience, particularly after bouncing back from previous defeats.
"Sunderland will look to maintain their impressive home record this season," reported Khel Now, highlighting the team's strong performance at the Stadium of Light, where they remain undefeated this season, winning eight and drawing four of their twelve matches.
Meanwhile, Portsmouth arrives with renewed confidence after achieving a convincing 4-0 victory against Swansea City, propelling them above the relegation zone. This win marks their successful start to the new year and serves as motivation for manager John Mousinho’s squad, who aim for back-to-back victories for the first time this season. With Portsmouth currently sitting at 21st place, only one point clear of relegation, every point counts.
"John Mousinho’s side moved above the relegation zone to start the new calendar on a positive note," noted Khel Now. The team’s victory also reflects their potential for climbing up the table if they can replicate similar performances away from home.
Historical data reveals Sunderland's edge over Portsmouth, having won three of their last four league encounters, with the most recent matchup resulting in Sunderland convincingly defeating Portsmouth 3-1 back in August. Portsmouth has struggled away from home, managing only one win from their last twelve Championship road trips—demonstrated by their shaky record, including three consecutive away defeats.
Both clubs are facing injury concerns. Sunderland will be without several key players, including Dan Ballard and Chris Rigg, which may hinder their defensive lineup. On the other hand, Portsmouth also grapples with injuries to key players like Conor Shaughnessy and Ibane Bowat. This puts additional pressure on both managers to adjust their strategies accordingly.
Sunderland's predicted lineup includes Patterson, Hume, Mepham, O’Nien, and Cirkin, with Bellingham and Aouchiche likely adding creativity and drive from midfield. Portsmouth, projected with Schmid, Swanson, and Pack, will hope to employ attacking talents like Callum Lang, who’s already showcased his goal-scoring ability this season.
Match predictions lean heavily toward Sunderland with the home-field advantage coupled with their strong overall form this season. Many expect Sunderland to continue their winning streak against Portsmouth, propelling them closer to automatic promotion positions as the season progresses.
Both teams have plenty at stake this weekend, with Sunderland eyeing to maintain their promotion hopes and Portsmouth fighting to secure their Championship status. The match kicks off at 15:00 GMT at the Stadium of Light, promising excitement and drama as the teams battle it out for three invaluable points.