Sunderland consider defensive options as Portsmouth plot way past 'one of the best sides in the league'

The Black Cats have recorded five consecutive clean sheets in League One despite playing with a makeshift defence in recent weeks following injuries and suspensions.

Willis and new signing Sanderson both missed the 1-0 win over Crewe Alexandra on Tuesday night as Parkinson’s reshuffled defence, including Luke O’Nien and Conor McLaughlin, kept yet another clean sheet.

There was an added bonus for the Black Cats, as Tom Flanagan was unexpectedly able to take a place on the bench.

Steve Parkin said the Black Cats had ultimately felt that Sanderson, who trained for the first time with his new team-mates on Monday, needed just a little longer to acclimatise.

Speaking ahead of the game, Pompey boss Kenny Jackett is all too aware of how solid Sunderland have been defensively and the challenges that poses his side.

Jackett told The News: “Sunderland have five clean sheets on the spin in the league and are up there again.

“Nobody really expected anything different. They were going to be the one of the teams to beat and compete with this year if you want to get promoted.

“It’s no surprise they have started very, very well. Sunderland/Pompey is always such a big game.

“We have to play our own game. While we look at the opposition, I believe we must concentrate on ourselves – and we do think we’re capable of scoring goals against anybody.

“We have to believe in ourselves and make sure we go and play our own game.

“We hope we can score on Saturday, it has to be our aim.

“Sunderland are going to be one of the best sides in the league, up there with one of the teams to beat.”

Midfielder Elliot Embleton is making progress in his recovery from injury, too.

The youngster, though, will need U23 games before he is considered for senior selection and won’t be involved this weekend when Portsmouth head to the Stadium of Light for the 3pm kick-off on Saturday.

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