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Portsmouth will be in search of desperately needed points on Tuesday as they host a Sunderland side experiencing struggles of their own in the Barclay’s Premier League. Portsmouth lost their third consecutive match at the weekend to fall to 0-1-5 in their last six league matches. Pompey have conceded 13 goals while scoring just two in reply during their tough stretch, including being shutout in their last three matches. Sunderland are still seeking their first Premier League win since November as the Black Cats are 0-4-2 in their last six. Kickoff between the two is set for 19:45 at Fratton Park in Portsmouth, England.

Portsmouth suffered a lopsided 5-0 defeat on Saturday at the hands of Manchester United with Pompey doing more to lose the match than the Red Devils did to win. Wayne Rooney put United in front 1-0 with a goal in the 40th minute before a Portsmouth own goal doubled the Red Devils’ lead just before halftime in the 45th minute. Two of United’s three second half goals would come courtesy of Portsmouth as Pompey suffered three own goals, making the day easy on United. Demitar Berbatov scored the only other goal by a United player in the 62nd minute as the Red Devils cruised to a 5-0 victory. The loss left Portsmouth firmly seated at the bottom of the league table, six points behind Wolverhampton. Sunderland came from behind on Saturday to salvage a draw against Wigan Athletic. Mohamed Diame’s fine individual effort in the 20th minute gave Wigan a 1-0 lead, but Sunderland would equalize in the second half to force a draw. A Kenwyne Jones header in the 64th minute pulled Sunderland level and forced Wigan to share the spoils. The draw left Sunderland four points clear of the drop zone.

Portsmouth may be without Kevin-Prince Boateng and Anthony Vanden Borre who both limped off with injuries on Saturday in Portsmouth’s 5-0 defeat against Manchester United. Papa Bouba Diop will also remain sidelined for Pompey but John Utaka (hamstring) may return to the squad. Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson faces several months on the sidelines with ankle ligament damage, leaving Boudweijn Zenden and Steed Malbranque to battle for his spot in midfield. Portsmouth are unbeaten in their last five matches against Sunderland in all competitions winning four and drawing one. Pompey defeated Sunderland 2-1 at Fratton Park last month in the FA Cup to advance to the fifth round. The Black Cats have not defeated Pompey at Fratton Park in the top-flight since 26 April 1958.

Both sides will be looking for maximum points this weekend as they fight the relegation battle. Sunderland are clearly in better standing with 25 points, four above the drop zone. A victory on Tuesday could at least temporarily move Sunderland to 12th place ahead of Blackburn on goal differential. Portsmouth are on 15 points, six points behind 18th and 19th placed West Ham and Wolverhampton who are level on 21 points. With just 14 matches left this season, Portsmouth need to win the winnable fixtures.