The Black Cats hold a one-goal advantage, but Portsmouth have the knowledge that they have already beaten Sunderland twice this season
Portsmouth will play host to Sunderland on Thursday in the second leg of their League One play-off semi final.
Pompey trail the Black Cats 1-0 going into the second leg, and will have to overcome this deficit if they hope to secure a place in the play-off final later this month as they try to escape League One after two seasons in the division. They are looking to continue the forward momentum the club have gained since fixing their financial issues in 2014.