Portsmouth v Sunderland - Follow LIVE Text Commentary

09 February 2010 19:16
Portsmouth v Sunderland

Follow every kick as Portsmouth take on Sunderland at Fratton Park in the Premier League
on 09-Feb-2010, kick off time 19:45

Portsmouth v Sunderland Live

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Portsmouth and Sunderland go head-to-head in the Premier League on Tuesday night with both teams in wretched form.

Avram Grant's Pompey were smashed 5-0 by champions Manchester United on Saturday and their cause was not helped when they managed to concede three own goals.

Anthony Vanden Borre deflected in a left-wing cross, Richard Hughes found himself in the way of a Michael Carrick effort and a howler from Marc Wilson demonstrated exactly why they are rooted to the foot of the table.

Portsmouth have now lost their last three games, without scoring, and their problems don't look like improving any time soon.

However, they may fancy their chances against Steve Bruce's floundering side as the Black Cats are without a win in nine Premier League fixtures.

They have failed to grab three points since their fine 1-0 win over Arsenal in November and have slumped to 13th position in the table.

Sunderland are likely to be without three key first-team players for the long trip to the south coast in midweek.

Defenders John Mensah (hamstring) and Anton Ferdinand (ankle) could both miss out with left winger Kieran Richardson suffering from a leg injury.

Beleaguered Pompey also have several concerns ahead of the crunch clash. Powerful front-man John Utaka and midfield enforcer Papa Bouba Diop (both hamstring) are set to sit out the match.

Aaron Mokoena (knee), Tommy Smith (groin), Hermann Hreidarsson (leg) and Michael Brown (back) remain unavailable.

In last season's fixture, Portsmouth secured a 3-1 victory at Fratton Park in their final game of the campaign.

Kenwyne Jones had opened the scoring for the visitors but they were soon pegged back as John Utaka restored parity on the hour mark.

A Phil Bardsley own goal put the hosts into the lead for the first time before Armand Traore fired home to secure the win.

Source: DSG