Portsmouth v Sunderland - Black Cats Travel Sickness Continues at Fratton Park?
Sunderland’s search for an away Premier League win continues at Fratton Park this weekend but their winless run looks set to continue against a revitalised, purposeful Pompey side. Roy Keane’s team have climbed to the dizzy heights of 14th after a run of 4 successive home wins but their away form remains the poorest in the Premier League. So don’t risk the £12,500 Premier 10 jackpot by backing the Black Cats to turn things around this weekend.
The Black Cats have picked up 2 points from a possible 39 available on their travels. Even bottom side Derby have picked up more away points than Sunderland, yet it took them until December to score their first goal away from Pride Park. However, none of the Black Cats fellow relegation candidates can compete with Roy Keane’s side’s record at home. The Stadium of Light faithful have witnessed 7 wins, 3 draws and just 3 defeats. Unfortunately for Roy, this is an away fixture and with the huge contrast in their home and away form it looks like it will be Pompey picking up the points.
Sunderland have lost their last 10 away League matches, failed to score in 5 of their last 7 on the road and haven’t picked up as much as a point on their travels since mid-September, 5 months ago. Pompey’s position in the table is due highly to their impressive away form, only Chelsea can match Portsmouth’s record of 8 away wins this season. However, it’s at Fratton Park where Pompey have struggled. This is surprising given the fervent home support and the unwelcoming lack of top class facilities at their old style ground. They’ve picked up just 3 wins in 12 home games. All three wins came against struggling sides in the shape of Bolton, Reading and Derby. The Black Cats fall into that category so a home win is the obvious selection this weekend.
Portsmouth have gained fresh impetus for the final quarter of the season with the return of their African midfield stars as well as the January signings of Jermain Defoe, Lassana Diarra and Milan Baros. They are spoilt for choice in both midfield and up front and have goal threats from all over the side. They may have struggled for home goals this season but the recently added predatory instincts of both Baros and Defoe should provide a new attacking dimension to the team.
When predicting the outcome of Sunderland games it’s essential to separate their home form from their away form. The Black Cats are a strong outfit at home but the exact same players just don’t perform in the same manner when travelling away. Thus Portsmouth are the team to back this weekend on Premier 10.
Pundit’s Pick: Pompey push Roy’s boys back into the mire (home win) Would you agree with this result for your Premier 10 prediction? Play Now>>
Tags: 23/02/08, Black cats, pompey, Portsmouth, Premier League preview, Roy Keane, Sunderland
