Cowley: It is perfect for us, everyone will have Sunderland as favourites
Sunderland face a huge test this afternoon.
The Black Cats play Portsmouth at Fratton Park in League One.
That’s after Lee Johnson’s men ran out 5-0 winners against Cheltenham Town on Tuesday to continue their tremendous start to the season.
Sunderland have only lost one game so far this term, with a 100 per cent record on home soil.
Moreover, the win against Cheltenham sent the Black Cats back to the top of League One ahead of the visit to Pompey.
Her e, though, we take a look at the talk around the league…
Portsmouthmanagerdelivers Sunderland verdict
Portsmouth manager Danny Cowley has delivered his verdict ahead of Sunderland’s visit to Fratton Park.
Pompey are currently 13th in League One with 12 points from 10 games.
The Wearsiders, however, are top of the table with 22 points from nine fixtures.
Speaking to the local media before the game, Cowley said: "I think it is a great game for us.
"I think it is probably the perfect game for us because I suppose everyone will have Sunderland as the favourites in the moment that they are in, compared to the moment we are.
“To be back in Fratton Park will be a great opportunity for us to put the recent disappointments behind us.”
Asked if there were any games bigger in League One than Portsmouth versus Sunderland, Cowley said: “This year, there are a lot of big clubs, aren’t there?
"I think eight ex-Premier
League clubs, I think someone said 14 or 15 FA Cups between us.
“I think between the managers, something like 50 promotions (have been achieved), so it is a top league with some big clubs and some top players in it.
"It is incredibly competitive.”
Promotionrivalshanded boost ahead of League One clash
Gillingham could be without top scorer Vadaine Oliver ahead of their clash with second-placed Wigan Athletic.
The Gills striker is an injury doubt ahead of today’s game, according to Kent Online.
Oliver, 29, picked up a rib injury on Tuesday night against Cambridge United.
The attacker has scored four goals this season for Steve Evans’ side.