Portsmouth vs Sunderland

23/2- After a winning moment last week Portsmouth now gear up to take on Sunderland in a home tie in an attempt to try and reach out for a spot in next year’s European championships. Currently on the ninth position they are 6 points away from the 6^th position, which can make them eligible for Europe next year. They have been fabulous while playing away from home but they have been way disappointing in the matches at home and this weekend get a good chance to improve their record. The visitors on the other hand are placed 14^th on the points table have risen out of the relegation after some strong performances in the last few weeks but Sunderland’s form away from home can be simply defined as dreadful as they have not won a single match but lost 11 of the 13 matches played away from home this season. However in a match earlier this season Sunderland had defeated Portsmouth in a home tie and that would be a ray of hope for the visitors as the take on the same team in an away tie.

Portsmouth come into this match after two very strong performances, a home draw against Chelsea a couple of weeks ago and an away win against Bolton last week. In Mwaruwari the home team possess a good striker and his contribution towards the side has to be significant if they hope to gain a full three points of this tie.

Sunderland on the other hand have been following a pattern for the last 6 matches where they have won a match and lost the next one and since they have won their last match they would be careful and avoid defeat this week. Sunderland would be looking to at least get a point from this away tie and try and ensure that they can consolidate themselves outside the danger zone.

Prediction: 2-1, Portsmouth win