Pompey v Sunderland

Pompey have a dress rehearsal for a deck chair clad side, the match on Saturday may be foremost in a lot of fans minds, but tomorrows match could be season defining.

Pompey are cast adrift at the foot of the table, we have been since August if truth be told, seven points is the gap now, the games in hand have been blown and we need 6 points just to pull level with Wolves above us, our once almost admirable goal difference has also evaporated away, what we need now are wins, pure and simple, if this were cricket we would be the team needing boundaries near the end of an innings.

Pompey go into the match in a rich vein of shit, the goals have dried right up, the defence has opened up like Toys 'r' Us on xmas eve, it is time for that magical Mendes moment, anything less and we can really start to plan trips to palace and Preston once more.
The next phase of our season is crucial, if we perform a glimmer of light may become a beacon, if we don't it will be snuffed out.

Pompey may well welcome back Finnan, this would of been expected anyway, but Vanden Borre limped of Saturday and is doubtful.
Boateng is another doubt, how serious his ankle injury is we don't know, one thing definitely hurt though is his ego, no place for that.
Dindane may get a recall as Pompey surely must switch to a 4-4-2 formation, the last chance saloon is waiting and we need to find some heavy duty hardware.

Seems to be the only player with an appetite at the moment, we need our loanee to load the bullets.

Sunderland are in wretched form, they have hit a slump to rival Pompey's, a defeat to the blues last month in the cup a rare highlight for Pompey fans.
Bent and Jones are still scoring, but not as prolifically as early on in the season, but the goals are flowing in at the other end, in fact they have conceded as many as us!
Hutton should keep his place, while Zenden and Malbranque are contesting the same spot.

He was the danger man last month, he scored, Pompey must know what to do this time?

A draw up North, and a win in the cup at fratton, another little win wouldn't go amiss.

Dave Vanian

Pompey are on the brink of a fifth owner, maybe a fifth win as well? Place your prediction here.

Another must win against Stoke follows a clash with 'them'

Seconds Out! Vital Boxing is here!

Vital F1 Prediction League - Join now for Monaco