Sunderland in the play-offs: Match dates, kick-off times and television details ahead of Portsmouth clash

Sunderland have had their League One play-off opponents confirmed - with full details of the semi-final ties now set in stone.
Sunderland will play Portsmouth in the League One play-off semi-finalSunderland will play Portsmouth in the League One play-off semi-final
Sunderland will play Portsmouth in the League One play-off semi-final

The Black Cats will face Portsmouth over two legs, with the winner then facing either Charlton Athletic or Doncaster Rovers in the final at Wembley.

And with a quick turnaround before the first leg, we take a look at everything you need to know ahead of the League One play-offs:

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When will Sunderland’s play-off games with Portsmouth be played?

The Black Cats’ fifth-place finish means that there will be a shift in the initially-advertised play-off dates.

And because the Wearsiders finished in the lower position, they will be forced to play their home leg first.

Sunderland’s first-leg against Portsmouth will take place at the Stadium of Light next Saturday, 11th May, with a 7:30pm kick-off.

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The second-leg, at Portsmouth’s Fratton Park, will be played on Thursday 16th May with a 7:45pm kick-off.

For reference, Charlton and Doncaster will play their ties on Sunday 12th May (12:15pm kick-off) and Friday 17th May (7:45pm kick-off).

Are Sunderland’s play-off games on TV?

As they have done in previous seasons, Sky Sports are expected to broadcast all League One play-off ties.

The exact channels are yet to be confirmed.

How have Sunderland fared against Portsmouth so far this season?

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Sunderland have already faced Pompey three times this season - and are yet to win.

The Black Cats fell to a 3-1 defeat at Fratton Park back in December, although that was partly down to an early Glenn Loovens red card.

In the return fixture at the Stadium of Light, played just a week ago, the spoils were shared in a 1-1 draw as Tom Flanagan’s header was cancelled out by Jamal Lowe.

And of course, the pair also met at Wembley in the Checkatrade Trophy final - Portsmouth winning on penalties after a 2-2 draw.

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When is the League One play-off final if Sunderland beat Portsmouth?

Should Sunderland beat Portsmouth and progress to the play-off final, it will be played on Sunday, May 26th.

The final will be held at Wembley Stadium and will kick-off at 3:00pm.