The fact that the last meeting between Pompey and Sunderland took place in the Premier League shows how far both teams have fallen in recent years.
But the Wearsiders will hope that – unlike the Blues – they do not have to sink right to the bottom before beginning their recovery.
Pompey’s most recent victory over the Black Cats was in January 2010, with John Utaka’s FA Cup brace helping them continue on the path to Wembley.
LAST SEASON
It has been a miserable couple of seasons for Sunderland, who finished rock bottom of the Championship to ensure a second successive relegation.
Simon Grayson was sacked after just 18 games, with his replacement Chris Coleman also leaving once the drop had been confirmed.
Now the north-east outfit will be competing in the third tier of English football for the first time since the 1987/88 campaign.
THE MANAGER
New owner Stewart Donald raided the Scottish leagues to bring Jack Ross to the Stadium of Light in May.
That came off the back of a successful season with St Mirren, who he led to the Championship title and promotion into the top-flight.
He also represented the Buddies during a playing career that included spells with Clyde, Hartlepool, Falkirk and Hamilton, before his first managerial role with Alloa.
POMPEY CONNECTIONS
Sunderland released former Pompey skipper Marc Wilson at the start of June, meaning there are currently no ex-Fratton stars at the club.
HEAD TO HEAD
Pompey: 32 wins
Sunderland: 37 wins
33 draws
Last Fratton meeting
Pompey 1 (Dindane)
Sunderland 1 (Bent)
Premier League
February 9 2010
Last away meeting
Sunderland 1 (Bent)
Pompey 1 (Kaboul)
Premier League
December 12 2009
SUNDERLAND STATS
Formed: 1879
Best league finish: 1st in Division One (six occasions)
Nickname: The Black Cats
Distance from Fratton Park: 334.5 miles
Estimated drive time: 5 hours 42 minutes
2018/19 title odds: 3/1
10-YEAR HISTORY
2017/18 Championship: 24th
2016/17 Premier League: 20th
2015/16 Premier League: 17th
2014/15 Premier League: 16th
2013/14 Premier League: 14th
2012/13 Premier League: 17th
2011/12 Premier League: 13th
2010/11 Premier League: 10th
2009/10 Premier League: 13th
2008/09 Premier League: 16th