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News
Portsmouth can inflict double heartbreak by ending Sunderland’s automatic promotion hopes this weekend
A dismal run of one win in four matches has seen Sunderland’s automatic promotion bid stutter in recent weeks.
Sunderland have drawn with Burton Albion and Peterborough United as well as losing to Coventry City in a 5-4 thriller.
That leaves the Black Cats in fourth place with three games to go – including one game in hand.
But their automatic promotion hopes will take a serious hit unless they can beat Portsmouth at home this weekend.
Pompey have already broken Sunderland hearts this season, beating them on penalties in the Checkatrade Trophy final.
And they could inflict more pain on their promotion rivals by all but ending Sunderland’s chances of finishing in the top two.
Luton Town only need one win to ensure Sunderland do not overtake them. So Jack Ross’ men need to aim for second place.
But if Portsmouth win at the weekend, they will move onto 89 points – five clear of Sunderland when they both have two to play.
And Barnsley are already on 88 points with a home game against mid-table Blackpool this weekend.
Even though Sunderland have a game in hand on Barnsley, a loss against Portsmouth would leave them four adrift of the Tykes with two games left to play.
Form points in the direction of Barnsley (three wins on the bounce) and Portsmouth (seven consecutive victories).
The signs are ominous for Sunderland, who ideally need a win to remain in the hunt for automatic promotion.