What was once a fairly regular premier league fixture returns as a championship one at The Riverside in a fixture that sees both in the lower reaches of the table.
Vital Quotes:
Back-to-back victories were secured, for the first time in almost 2-years, on Tuesday when we added Bristol City to the Leicester scalp last Friday. I honestly cannot remember the last time we won 3 league games on the bounce, I think I saw something in The News that might have said it was 3-years?
We are in mini run of form, Boro continue to be very indifferent, if there was ever a time we could do this it must surely be now although if we could get a point to go into the international break I would bite your arm off now!
Boro Team News:
Julio Arca – groin – is a doubt after picking up the injury during the week. Kevin Thomson – fractured fibula – ‘might’ make the squad.
Player to watch: Kris Boyd
The striker was left out of the Scottish squad this week, I think, but I would say that we underestimate him at our peril.
Pompey Team News:
Richard Hughes – suspension – is now back but will, all being well – sorry Hughesy – only take a place on the bench.
Other than Danny Webber, who is getting close to a return, and Tom Kilbey – who sadly ‘word on the street’ tells me has not had any contact from the coaching staff since his injury, which has left him less than impressed, a few of the youngsters are also less than impressed with their treatment and want out – Steve Cotterill has a pretty much ‘full strength’ squad.
Player to watch: John Utaka
Yep, I know I put him down last time but after a trio of very impressive showings – Tuesday’s was the pick of the bunch and saw him score a cracker – but another from him could make a real difference.
Has the big man finally arrived, for good…
Match Facts & Stats
In 107 previous meetings in total Boro hold a 41-38 lead, with 28 draws. At Boro they are 30-8 ahead with 16 draws.
The last meeting came in March 2009, in the premier league, where we came back from The Riverside with a point in a 1-1 draw.
Ref Watch:
Dave Rowntree.
Match Prediction:
Our season is up and running now, right? Can we start getting points on the road though?
Hedge your bets in the predictions league here.
Next Fixtures:
After this game it is home to Watford, but this in not until after the international break.
PLAY UP POMPEY!
