Sunderland and Portmsouth are both unbeaten in the Championship so far, with the Lads winning every game and Pompey drawing all of theirs. With that in mind, we spoke to Andy from the PO4Cast to preview the game.
So, first things first... how are you finding life back in the Championship?
We’re still definitely in the novelty stage! It’s so good to be back. As a fanbase, you guys have a good idea of what it’s like to feel like you’re stagnating in League One so being back in the Championship is like a breath of fresh air. Every game on the fixture list looks so tough though compared to League One, where you could identify teams where you were really confident you’d pick up points. Absolutely loving being back here though despite the stress of the games so far.
Three draws on your return to this division, what has been the story of the opening handful of games for you guys?
They’ve been three fairly insane games, to be honest. Against Leeds, we should’ve been about three goals down but ended up being 3-2 up in the 93rd minute and not quite being able to see the game out. Luton had their goalkeeper sent off after 30 minutes and I’m still not sure how neither side scored in a 0-0, and Middlesborough had 30 shots against us at the Riverside but we were somehow 2-1 up in that one in the 89th minute with Will Norris having a great game before Owen Moxon gave away a penalty late on. On three other days with the games playing the same way, we could fairly easily have no points or one point and could equally easily have nine points. We’ve faced around 60 shots over the three games and it’s all been really quite stressful to be honest. My heart rate hit cardio-range at 135bpm against Leeds while stood still so I’m hoping for a calmer game against you.
What do you think of manager John Mousinho?
You won’t find many Pompey fans who have a bad word to say about him. Calm, honest, level-headed, tactically astute and really likeable. Also looks great in a quarter-zip. Mousinho is quickly developing a reputation for developing young talent well and it sounds like this was a big factor in Harvey Blair signing from Liverpool last week. An all-round good bloke.
Callum Lang and Christian Saydee both have two goals already. What kind of players are they?
Very different players. Christian Saydee played more in a number 10 role for Pompey last season but has been playing at 9 so far this season due to Colby Bishop’s heart surgery and Kusini Yengi having a groin injury (who is back fit now). Saydee is a very physical presence and is arguably better suited to the 10 role as his finishing hasn’t been as reliable as you’d want in a 9, but you can’t argue with his work ethic and he was rewarded with two goals against Boro (both potentially with thanks to Seny Dieng in goal). Callum Lang is a very different type of player – nippy and agile and will try to open a game up as soon as he sees space in front of him. It’s worth checking out his goal against Leeds to put us 2-1 up on the opening day of the season. Absolute cracker.
Other than those two, who else should we keep an eye on?
On his day, Marlon Pack can run a game in central midfield. He hasn’t had quite the opportunity to have such an impact so far this season as the partnership with Andre Dozzell is still growing, but he’s a real leader on the pitch. If Kusini Yengi is fit enough to start, he can also cause big problems for defences - although Middlesborough negated him well last week when he came on. Will Norris in goal is coming into the game off a big performance against Middlesborough and will be very confident. I’d imagine he’s also pretty motivated as we signed another goalkeeper to give him competition for that number 1 spot last week. I’m sure you’ll all give Matt Ritchie a lovely reception too…
How have you gotten on in the transfer window and what business do you still need to do before it shuts?
Good on the whole but we are short at CB. Tom McIntyre and Regan Poole have both been out long-term although both are nearing fitness. Conor Shaughnessy has been leading the line but he missed our last game ‘with illness’ and was seen at a music festival with a compression sleeve on one leg. This leaves Riley Towler leading the CB pairing, who wasn’t our first choice in League One, alongside Jordan Williams who is far better suited to playing RB. Transfer activity has generally been positive. Freddie Potts has come in since we played Middlesborough and could make his debut against you. Elias Sorensen joined us as a complete unknown from the Danish League. He was on the books at Newcastle but didn’t make a first team appearance so I’ll be interested to see if your fans give him any grief. Andre Dozzell in CM has looked fairly solid if not spectacular alongside Marlon Pack. We’ve been over-run slightly in midfield at times in the first few games of the season. Abdoulaye Kamara is another bit of an unknown for most of us. He has come through the youth system at PSG and Borussia Dortmund so I do wonder what he thinks of Gunwharf Quays and the Historic Dockyard…
Now Jack Clarke has left, which Sunderland player worries you the most?
Anyone with the surname “Bellingham” is slightly worrying. We’ve seen Jude make his debut in a 3-0 defeat at Fratton Park and hope to send Jobe away with a similar result… but he’s an absolutely quality player. I get annoyed at myself for how much I find Luke O’Nien really likeable and also think Dennis Cirkin is a big danger down the left.
Where do you expect to finish this season?
This is a consolidation season. Give me survival and no anxiety for the final few weeks of the season and I’ll snap your hand off.
Equally, where do you reckon Sunderland will finish?
Based off your start to the season compared to others (e.g., Luton and Norwich who I’d expect up there), you should be aiming at the playoffs as a minimum. I do wonder what happens if you’re near the top of the league and Le Bris gets poached by another team. I’d be keeping my fingers crossed for a Michael Beale return for the laughs from the outside!
What's your score prediction for the game?
Head and heart say different things. My head says 2-1 Sunderland but I’ll go with my heart for a 1-1 draw which I’d be really pleased with. Kusini Yengi or Marlon Pack for Pompey. Luke O’Nien for Sunderland so he can go and give some grief to the area where the fan was sitting who punched him a few years ago.
Finally, where is the best place for a travelling Sunderland fan to get a pint?
I’d recommend the Staggeringly Good Brewery which is an independent dinosaur-themed brewery with some amazing ales. It’s near the away end and has a good mix of home and away fans in there. We’ve met some Sunderland fans in there in the past and ended up chatting for hours pre-game. It opens at 12pm and is spacious on the inside (until it gets full) and has a nice outdoor area if the weather is decent.
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