Sunderland picked up yet another League One victory against Tranmere Rovers in midweek, grabbing their fifth victory in seven games to climb to fifth in the table.

After a very shaky start, Phil Parkinson appears to have got the Black Cats firing and they look a dangerous proposition during the run-in.

At this point, the Black Cats have brought in three new additions in the January transfer window–though there have been suggestions that they could be set to sign three more players before it shuts this evening.

Their first game after the winter transfer window sees them travel down to the South Coast to take on Portsmouth at Fratton Park.

Kenny Jackett's side are in a sensational run of form, having won seven games on the bounce and have moved to seventh in League One.

It looks set to be an enthralling clash between two promotion chasers and one that could help the Black Cats climb to third in the table.

With that in mind, here is the XI we expect Parkinson to name for their clash with Pompey...

Jon McLaughlin has regained the number one jersey at the Stadium of Light and has helped the Black Cats keep four consecutive clean sheets–you feel he would make Parkinson a very happy man if he could grab a fifth against Pompey.

Ahead of him, Bailey Wright impressed on his debut in midweek after arriving on loan from Bristol City.

He looks to have strengthened the Sunderland backline and will likely reprise his role alongside Jordan Willis and Joel Lynch.

Luke O'Nien and Denver Hume have been excellent at wing-back during the Black Cats' upturn in fortunes. The North East club are reportedly looking to sign another left-wing back before the window closes but have not done so to this point, which suggests the duo will start again at Fratton Park.

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In midfield, we may see another January signing, Josh Scowen, make his first start in place of Max Power as Parkinson looks to freshen things up after a real battle in midweek.

Despite the arrival of Kyle Lafferty, Charlie Wyke has been the first-choice striker in recent weeks and has flourished in that role, scoring twice in his last four games.

Wyke looks likely to lead the line once again in a front three alongside Lynden Gooch and Chris Maguire.

Sunderland thought to be close to landing Bristol City forward Antoine Semenyo but no deal has been done yet, which suggests he is unlikely to start.

A win for the Black Cats would put them into a fantastic position ahead as we push toward the business end of the season.