For the fourth time this season, Sunderland and Portsmouth are set to do battle, with so much more at stake this time around.

The two teams have already had some magnificent encounters this season, with both teams playing out a Checkatrade Trophy final at Wembley, as well as fighting for an automatic promotion spot in League One.

But after Luton Town and Barnsley's promotion to the Championship, their route to the second tier will now have to be via the play-offs, as Sunderland prepare to host Pompey at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

The Black Cats go into the fixture on the back of a disappointing run of form, with Jack Ross' side winning just one of their last seven league outings.

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On Saturday, they host a Portsmouth side that will also be looking to get back to winning ways - Kenny Jackett's men are winless in their last three games, hitting bad form at completely the wrong time.

It is shaping up to be a cracker on Wearside, so what does Sky Sports' David Prutton predict? The former Leeds man has predicted a 1-1 draw.

He said: "Until recently, both of these sides had their sights on finishing in the top two. At one point, Sunderland were in pole position to come second at least but their recent form has been poor.

"It's not been too long since there were more than 80,000 watching these two at Wembley, while they also met in the league at the Stadium of Light to draw 1-1 last month. They will be more familiar with each other and the atmosphere over both legs will be incredible. Draw for me."

Sunderland are yet to get the better of Portsmouth in three attempts this season, losing on penalties in the Checkatrade Trophy final, drawing 1-1 at home, and losing 3-1 at Fratton Park.

The Verdict

I agree with Prutton that it's bound to be a tight, scrappy affair between two massive clubs.

If anything, I predict that Portsmouth will pull off a shock win at the Stadium of Light, as Sunderland haven't really coped well with pressure this season.

Pompey have nothing to lose, and this will bode them well for Saturday's clash.

Thoughts? Let us know!