This Week's Opposition: Sunderland

Ahead of Sunday's clash at the Stadium Of Light, Jake Smith provides insight on Portsmouth's next Championship opponent.

A New Year’s Day thumping of Swansea City last time out at Fratton Park lifted John Mousinho’s side out of the relegation zone.

Can they back it up with what, in truth, would be a win against the odds on the road at high-flying Sunderland?

MANAGER

Following his appointment last summer, 49-year-old Régis Le Bris remains in charge of The Black Cats.

The Frenchman signed a 3-year deal and made an instant impact, posting a 100% record across the first month of the season - He was named the Championship Manager of the Month for August as a result.

Le Bris has a win percentage of 50, having overseen 13 wins from 26 competitive fixtures to date.

ONE TO WATCH

Exciting young midfielder Chris Rigg is noted as our one to watch this week.

Born in June 2007, Rigg is just 17-years-of-age but has already made 43 senior appearances and bagged 6 goals for Sunderland since turning pro in January 2023.

Rigg came through the Black Cats’ academy and even collected the Championship Goal of the Month award for September following a cheeky back-heel in their 1-0 win over Middlesbrough. He wears the number 11 shirt.

TOP SCORER

Currently leading the way in front of goal for Sunderland is 24-year-old Wilson Isidor.

The forward has found the back of the net 7 times since the start of the league campaign and scored the winner in their last game against Sheffield United on New Year’s Day.

For The Black Cats, Isidor wears the number 18 shirt.

CURRENT FORM

Sunderland have dropped off a little bit following a fantastic opening month of the campaign, however do remain in a very strong position in the Championship, occupying 4th place prior to the weekend’s action.

A 2-1 victory over The Blades on Wednesday night followed on from just 1 point taken in their 2 fixtures between Christmas and New Year, during such period they were held to a 2-2 draw at Blackburn Rovers and defeated 1-0 away at Stoke City.

Régis Le Bris’ side were victorious by 3 goals to 1 at Fratton Park in this season’s reverse fixture in August.

Can the Blues make it 2 wins from 2 in 2025 or will the might of The Black Cats prove to be too much at the Stadium Of Light?

Join the Pompey Live team for all of the unmissable action this Sunday (January 5th) afternoon from 2pm - Jake Smith will be providing full coverage of the game with Henry Deacon and Cliff de Gordon at the Stadium Of Light.

Kick-off: 3pm!