Follow every kick as Sunderland take on Portsmouth at Stadium of Light in the Premier League
on 12-Dec-2009, kick off time 15:00
Sunderland v Portsmouth Live
Sunderland entertain rock-bottom Portsmouth at the Stadium Of Light on Saturday and the hosts will want to add more misery to the south coast side. The Black Cats boast a fine home record this term, picking up 16 points from a possible 21 and only a defeat to Chelsea has blotted their copy-book. Portsmouth have notched just three times in their seven away fixtures and with just four points collected away from Fratton Park, it looks a tough ask for them to claim any sort of favourable result on Wearside. Steve Bruce will want his side to add pressure on the sides above them as they sit in tenth place and, with Aston Villa and Manchester City fast approaching, the north-east side need a confidence booster. They have lost their last two games - both on the road - at Wigan Athletic and Fulham and their last win was an excellent 1-0 success at home to Arsenal on November 21. Avram Grant continues to try and stamp his authority on struggling Pompey and their 2-0 home success against Burnley last week lifted some of the gloom as they are now just four points from getting their heads above water. However, with three of their next four games after the weekend coming up against Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal, it could be a long and difficult Christmas with very little festive cheer. Club stalwart Linvoy Primus has announced his retirement from the game this week after failing to win a long battle with a knee injury to add a little more gloom to their plight. David James continues to struggle with a calf injury and Papa Bouba Diop could be out with a hamstring problem. Sunderland will be without goalkeeper Craig Gordon (broken arm) and Lee Cattermole (knee). John Mensah (calf) is nearing a return but the game could come too soon for the Ghanaian.
Source: DSG
