New signing Danny Batth made his Sunderland debut as one of two changes to the side that drew at Accrington Stanley last weekend.
Centre-back Batth, who joined the Black Cats on a free transfer from Stoke City in midweek, came into the starting XI to face Portsmouth at the expense of Bailey Wright, who was a doubt going into today's game after picking up a knock at Accrington.
The other change saw Lee Johnson bring back midfielder Corry Evans after he missed the last two games after suffering a concussion at Wycombe a fortnight ago.
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Evans replaced Alex Pritchard, who was another injury doubt ahead of today's game.
Carl Winchester was included amongst the subs after he missed the Accrington game due to suspension.
Winger Patrick Roberts signed from Manchester City on the eve of the game but he was not judged ready to be part of the matchday squad.
There was also no place in the squad for defender Denver Hume, who has been linked with a move to Portsmouth this week.
Portsmouth boss Danny Cowley made three changes to the side that fought out a goalless draw at AFC Wimbledon in midweek.
Clark Robertson, Ronan Curtis, and Reeco Hackett came into the side, with Connor Ogilvie, Lee Brown, and George Hirst dropping to the bench.
Today's teams
Sunderland: Hoffmann, Flanagan, Batth, Doyle, Gooch, Evans, Neil, Cirkin, Embleton, Dajaku, Stewart
Subs: Patterson, O'Brien, Winchester, Xhemajli, Diamond, T Hume, Kimpioka
Portsmouth: Bazunu, Carter, Raggett, Robertson, Romeo, Morrell, Thompson, Hackett, Harness, Curtis, Walker
Subs: Stewart, Brown, Freeman, Ogilvie, Williams, Jacobs, Hirst
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