Sunderland defender Luke O'Nien believes that the Black Cats have a huge advantage as they prepare for their Wembley showdown with Portsmouth next weekend.

Jack Ross' side have nine days to prepare for the final as they're not in action this weekend due to the international break.

It isn't just the extra rest that the 24-year-old thinks will benefit the side though, but their plethora of players harbouring big game experience.

The likes of Aiden McGeady and Lee Cattermole have played at the highest level, whilst some of their other stars have played in huge games both at Wembley and north of the border.

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“Having that experience has put us in a good position in the league, and having that to our advantage – I think a few of the boys have played there (at Wembley) – that can only benefit us,” he was quoted by the Chronicle Live.

“We’ve got a good bunch of boys who have helped us get this far in the cup and the league, so if we can just keep that going the whole squad’s getting more experience collectively. We’re in a good position at the moment so the atmosphere’s good.

“We’re sitting well in the table, we’re in a final – everything’s good.”

The match next Sunday promises to be the best attended final in the competition's history, with 90,000 fans expected at Wembley to watch the Black Cats try to get the better of Kenny Jackett's Pompey.

The Verdict

I'll be tipping Sunderland all the way in this one.

That big game experience is vital and whilst some Pompey stars might have it, others like Jamal Lowe have come from non-league.

The Black Cats have the edge, but both clubs would swap a win for promotion to the Championship.