18 may 2009: Portsmouth - Sunderland

MATCH: PORTSMOUTH – SUNDERLAND

PORTSMOUTH
"We dominated the first half and created plenty of chances through our movement and technical quality. We were sharp, composed and mobile with a great attitude. They changed their game plan at the start of the second half and we struggled a bit. After we scored the third goal, the game was over."

This is the comment of Wenger after the Arsenal victory at Fratton Park the last game.

Team news:
Portsmouth manager Paul Hart may let the weekend's results guide his selection plans at Fratton Park.
He could rest some senior men after Newcastle's slip guaranteed Portsmouth's top-flight safety.

M Wilson - Hamstring Injury (2 Weeks)
A Mvuemba - Hamstring Injury (2 Weeks)
T Gekas - Hamstring Injury (3 Days)
N Kranjcar - Ankle/Foot Injury (2 Weeks)
J Thomas - Hamstring Injury (2 Weeks)
P Bouba Diop - PCL Tear (2 Weeks)

Form LDWDDWLDLL
Home Form LLLLWLWDWL

SUNDERLAND
Steven Pienaar dumped Sunderland deeper into relegation trouble as Everton climbed into fifth place after the last match of premier league.
They remain four points clear of the bottom three with three matches to play, but face tough away trips to Bolton Wanderers and Portsmouth before Chelsea head for the Stadium of Light on the final day of the campaign.
Painfully for Sunderland manager Ricky Sbragia, whose side have now taken just five of the last 30 points they have contested, they were well beaten by an Everton side depleted by injuries, but still too good for them.
The home fans among a crowd of 41,313 had revelled in the plight of arch-rivals Newcastle earlier in the afternoon, and while their club is significantly better off, they too face an uncertain few weeks.

Team news:
Sunderland full-back George McCartney could return to the squad for the club's vital Barclays Premier League trip to Portsmouth on Monday evening.

C Gordon - Knee Injury (2 Weeks)
N Nosworthy - Hamstring Injury (no date)
G McCartney - Calf Muscle Strain (3 Days)
D Connolly - Groin/Pelvis Injury (7 Weeks)
R Anderson - ACL Knee Injury (7 Weeks)

Form: LDLLLLWLLD
Away Form WLDDDLLLLD

HEAD TO HEAD
23/02/2008 Portsmouth 1-0 Sunderland

VERDICT
Sunderland will be looking to secure safety in this intriguing Monday night encounter.
Portsmouth are already safe from relegation because Newcastle United were defeated 0-1 at home to Fulham.
Meanwhile, a victory for Sunderland will secure their Barclays Premier League status. A draw would put them within touching distance of safety.
Despite the loss sequence, the bad form and poor play.... it could be worth bet a small stake on Sunderland to win, as Portsmouth don't have any interest in win or draw this game.