After disappointing results against West Bromwich Albion and Everton, the Black Cats summoned a necessary response at the Reebok Stadium, playing with defiance and passion and earning what could prove to be a pivotal point.

In the intervening days, the message Ricky Sbragia has delivered his players has been simple. That the level of performance Sunderland returned to against Gary Megson's team must now be replicated against Portsmouth and Chelsea.

First, there is a psychological barrier to navigated. Playing two days after other clubs placed near the foot of the league table is not only an inconvenience to supporters - who will again turn out in force at Fratton Park - but potentially a test of Sunderland's mettle.

However both Hull and Newcastle failed to win their matches at the weekend so Sunderland's fate remains squarely in their own hands and, having restored confidence and belief following a spirited goalless draw last Saturday, they are eagerly anticipating another challenging confrontation on the south coast.

"Depending on the other matches, Portsmouth may need a point or two as well as us, so it's a big game," Teemu Tainio, the Finland international, said. "We have to do everything to make sure we end up winning it.

"It's not an easy place to go and they're a very strong, physical side and we have to match that physical side. If we can keep the ball, like we did at Bolton, then we'll give ourselves a great chance to get something out of the game."

After some managerial upheaval at the club this season, Portsmouth have recovered noticeably under Paul Hart's leadership, although they have now scored only a single goal in their last five matches.

Pushovers they will not be, however. "Playing at Portsmouth can be a bit intimidating, but very good," Anton Ferdinand said. "I like grounds like that, where it's close and tight to the pitch, because you can hear everything. The Pompey fans are very good as well, so it's going to be a great atmosphere, especially with our fantastic supporters there in numbers."

Sbragia fielded a 4-2-3-1 formation against Bolton, with Tainio and Dean Whitehead filling midfield holding roles, Kieran Richardson, Steed Malbranque and Grant Leadbitter working as a trio further up the pitch and Kenwyne Jones playing as a lone centre-forward.

The system suited the personnel at Sunderland's disposal - with Richardson, in particular, reveling in his more advanced position - and Sbragia must now decide whether to tackle Pompey in a similar style.

With Jones and Richardson both expected to recover from minor ankle complaints, the manager is not expecting to have any major injury problems prior to the match, while George McCartney, the left-back, now has a week's training behind him.

Portsmouth beat Sunderland 2-1 at the Stadium of Light back in November, but Ferdinand is looking forward to renewing acquaintances with Glen Johnson, the full-back. The pair played together at West Ham.

"Since moving from Chelsea to Portsmouth, he's proved himself to be one of the best right-backs in the country and that's shown from him being in the England squad all the time," Ferdinand said.

"He's a very good player and a nice, genuine lad and someone who I got on with well at West Ham. He's a fantastic player and someone who isn't just good at defending, but going forward as well."

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