Sunderland take a narrow one goal advantage to Fratton Park on Thursday night, with Jack Ross' side looking to claim a place in the League One play-off final at Wembley at the end of he month.

Between them and that final place though is a Portsmouth side who defeated them in the Checkatrade Trophy final, plus have a win and a draw to show for their league meetings this season.

So with everything to-do for Ross' side, is promotion at the first attempt a must and would failure class their season as a flop?

We discuss........

Gary Hutchinson

“I think it has to be.

“If they hadn’t spent £4m on Will Grigg, maybe not.

“But when you splash that sort of cash out on a striker and finish behind a side who sold their star striker and didn’t replace him, you’ve flopped.

“They needed instant promotion.”

Ben Lang

“I think it would definitely appear as a flop on paper.

“It should not be forgotten that Sunderland have been in and around the promotion places all season, so Ross deserves some credit.

“However, they have trailed off and put themselves at risk of not fulfilling their season goal. Ross will be in trouble if Sunderland fail to win promotion.”

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Toby Wilding

"I don't think so.

"Sunderland were in absolute free fall when Ross took over in the summer, and he has arrested that admirably.

"Failure to go up will be disappointing, but there are foundations in place for another shot at promotion next season."

Louie Chandler

"I think it would.

"Before January, I would have said that they have done well to challenge again so quickly.

"But after splashing £4million on Will Grigg mid-season, those thoughts changed and promotion became a must."