And the Blues do so with their squad defined for the months ahead at the close of the transfer window.
There are players coming back from injury and ineligibility against the Black Cats, before the pause for the international break.
Here’s how we think Pompey will line up at a sellout Fratton Park.
1. Pompey predicted line-up
Pompey new boy Mark O'Mahony is pushing for minutes against Sunderland | Portsmouth FC
2. GK Will Norris
A new challenge from Nicolas Schmid for Pompey's No1 - the response to produce a couple of excellent displays. | Jason Brown/ProSportsImages
3. RB: Jordan Williams
A return to right-back likely on the cards with Conor Shaughnessy missing last weekend at Boro through illness. | National World
4. CB Conor Shaughnessy
The key defender's reassuring presence will be needed against lively Sunderland attacking options, following illness. | Jason Brown/ProSportsImages