Pompey are basking in the news that manager Harry Redknapp will remain, so here’s to the away form remaining also.
Vital Quotes:
The dust has settled on a traumatic week if you are a Pompey fan, but the end product has been worth it, our manager has decided we can still progress, the aim is still Europe, now its time for the players to do the talking on the pitch. Results have pushed Pompey a little further away from the Euro spots tonight, so we need a result just to hang onto the coat-tails.
Sunderland Team News:
Dwight Yorke has completed his suspension and is available, Kenwyne Jones is rated 50-50 with aknock to the knee.
Manager Keane will be hoping Chopra, Higginbotham and Wallace will also be up for selection.
Player to watch: Jones (if-fit)
The man who used to play up the road has settled comfortably into the Premiership, he has proved a handful for some top defenders so far and Distin and Campbell can expect the same.
Pompey Team News:
Well the African quartet will be missing, how much we will miss them is to be seen, but to be honest Utaka and Kanu have been absent for the last month!
Richard Hughes is fit again as is Mendes, Sean Davis is another who is very close, so the midfield may not be as weak as first feared, this is backed up with the encouraging performance of Mvuemba at Ipswich.
Up front Nugent has forced himself back into contention, if Harry plays one up front though I expect him to dip out again with Benjani being that man, 2 up front and who else is there!
Player to watch: Nugent
Got a goal last week, and turned the game to be honest, his make or break period has come, I’m going to back him to find the goals.
Match Facts & Stats
4-1 cack in ’93 is a date that will stick in Pompey minds, a result that kept Pompey out of the top flight for a further 10 years.
This will be the first time we have met Roy Keanes Sunderland though, and it is yet to be seen how we will fare.
Ref Watch:
Our old mate Chris Foy
Match Prediction:
Redknapps prospective suitors lost 6-0, can we further hammer home the fact he has made the right decision?
Hedge a bet here.
Next Fixtures:
Derby down at the park