Let the Play-Offs begin.
- On sale: Sunderland v Portsmouth tickets on sale now
- Team news: McGeady set to be unleashed in Play-Offs
- Watch: Ross' Portsmouth press conference
Forty-six games have brought us to this point. We’ve lit up every town, every square and every mile in England this season but now our season comes down to this.
On Saturday, Sunderland lock horns with Portsmouth in the first leg of our Play-Off semi-final with one simple goal – to win.
While at the end of 90 minutes on Saturday night will there be no winner, a result and performance will go a long way to deciding both clubs’ fate in the race to secure a Wembley Final spot at the end of May.
Jack Ross’ Black Cats enter into Saturday’s game on the back of two defeats and with just one win in their last seven games.
It’s a run that’s seen frustration and disappointment creep in as the Black Cats’ hopes of automatic promotion ended, with Luton Town and Barnsley pipping them to the post.
However, the Lads have lost just one of their games against the top seven in League One this term which should give them some comfort going into the Play-Offs.
That loss came at Fratton Park in December when Glenn Loovens’ dismissal early in the second 45 cost Sunderland dearly as Pompey ran out 3-1 winners.
Ross’ men have more than matched Kenny Jackett’s team this season, though. Playing out a 2-2 draw in the Checkatrade Trophy Final, Portsmouth had the winning lottery ticket on penalties before Jamal Lowe cancelled out Tom Flanagan’s header to secure a point at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland’s last home game.
The Black Cats have been boosted ahead of the weekend with the news that Aiden McGeady, Lee Cattermole and George Honeyman are set to return.
McGeady has missed the last two with a fractured foot while Catts and Honeyman were absent from last Saturday’s final day defeat at Roots Hall.
Portsmouth too enter the Play-Offs on a downturn of form. Without a win in their last three games, Jackett’s side have taken just two points from a possible nine as they slipped to fourth on the final day of the season.
That said, despite Pompey’s downturn in form they have tasted defeat just once in their last 11 games in all competitions – winning eight of them.
Lowe is set to return to Jackett’s side after sitting out of last Saturday’s draw at home to Accrington Stanley.
The 24-year-old, who had previously featured in every league game prior to Portsmouth’s final day one, is now set to return to the line-up after scoring in two of three meetings with the Black Cats this term.
KEEP UP TO DATE WITH EVERY SECOND OF THE PLAY-OFFS
There will be no cash turnstiles in operation at the Stadium of Light this weekend.
Supporters are strongly advised to secure their seats in advance where possible, with the 24/7 online ticketing service being the quickest and easiest way to buy tickets.
The Stadium of Light ticket office will open from 10am until kick off at 7.30pm on the day of the game. Supporters wishing to purchase or collect pre-paid tickets on Saturday are strongly advised to do so as early as possible.
Queues will build up closer to kick off, collecting or buying early will ensure that supporters do not experience delays in entering the stadium.
Supporters are also reminded that tickets are only available to those with a previous purchase history.
BBC Radio Newcastle’s Nick Barnes will be broadcasting live right here on safc.com from 7pm.
As ever, there will be comprehensive coverage across our digital channels including safc.com’s matchday blog and live updates on Twitter via @SunderlandAFC.
