Pompey take a well needed trip away from home this afternoon, heading to Cambridgeshire in search of their first win in 3 games. Pompey’s home form has been far the more frustrating this season, with only half of the possible 18 home points being picked up so far.
Evidence of the frustration came on Saturday, where Pompey put FIFTY-SIX crosses, yet failed not just to score, but to even trouble the Yeovil goalkeeper and get the crowd of their feet.
But away, 11 points from 15 boasts a more solid record, with the added value of the remaining unbeaten record. Opponents Cambridge, have only managed 14 points so far, looking glum in 15th. Winning just 1 of the last 9 games in all competitions, The U’s look like the struggling team Pompey need to regain their winning run.
Pompey fans will be hoping for a repeat of last season’s fixture, when Pompey thrashed United 6-2 at the Abbey, with a Matt Tubbs hat-trick sealing a rare Pompey away win, just their third of the campaign, a feat that has already been matched in 5 games this season.
Pompey are looking to improve on their 20 points, in order to continue the chase of leader’s Plymouth, of whom are just 3 points better off despite already being beaten by the Blues this season.
Vital Quotes: We Won’t Change
Paul Cook insists that despite poor results at home last week, social pressure to put playing pressure against teams won’t force him to change his passing philosophy.
Pompey have become the Arsenal on League Two, playing classy, flowing football, but failing to always find that cutting edge… not to mention sitting in 4th. Cue Arsenal anger.
And this doesn’t go to say that the Fratton Faithful don’t enjoy playing the Beautiful Game how it should be, but it does rustle a few feathers when nothing comes of it.
Yet in application to teams at the game, like the Gunners, Cookie knows there will be bad days and good ones in the long campaign.
“Because of things like social media, managers are put under the microscope far too quickly.
“Look at Arsenal – it was the end of the world when they lost to a Greek side in the Champions League and then a few days later they`ve beaten Manchester United.
“The reality of football means that you will have bad days throughout the season.
“Unfortunately, our bad days at the moment are the result of us dominating the ball, but failing to score.
“A lot of the time the manager will look to change things to put that right, but I don`t buy into that.
“I`m not constantly clamouring for change – I believe you should just be better at what you do.
We do need to be better at what we do- getting goals. A few short weeks ago we were the top scorers in League Two, time to get that title back.
Cambridge United Team News:
Cambridge are without Josh Coulson (calf) and Keith Keane (groin) this afternoon, both players remaining sidelined for the next coming weeks.
They could also be without winger Harrison Dunk after he went off at half-time at York with a hamstring problem. Full-back Elliot Omozusi is also a doubt due to a tight hamstring.
Player to watch: Barry Corr
The league’s 3rd top goalscorer will step out today, with just 2 goals separating him and the league’s top scorer Jabo Ibehre.
The 30 year old, 6ft3 forward has the potential to really trouble Pompey centre-backs Matt Clarke and Chris Burgess. A player who knows how to succeed in League Two, after securing promotion to League One with Southend last season.
Pompey Team News:
Pompey are without strikers Adam McGurk and Jayden Stockley (both ankle) for this afternoon’s clash. McGurk is set for a return in the last week of this month, whilst loanee Stockley is back at parent club Bournemouth for treatment.
1st choice ‘keeper Brian Murphy may make the bench today, after stepping up his recovery from a groin strain, but fellow shot-stoppers Paul Jones and Michael Poke remain sidelined indefinitely.
Jack Whatmough as we know is still out, but is still on course to return during the festive period.
Player to watch: Ben Davies
Signing from Sheffield United in the summer, back up captain Davies has been one of the more impressive and underrated men in the Pompey side this year.
The versatile right-midfielder, playing at right-back has the effort and stamina of a player in his yound-20s, yet the 34-year-old remains very much a crucial player in the Pompey side.
Whilst remaining a solid defender with a big eye for the attack, his crossing ability, amongst others, has lacked in recent games. Crossing is a big problem in terms of quality for the Blues, the actual quantity is a dream.
Yet one of the main providers from out wide, putting in about 40% of Pompey’s balls, could do with upping his game in that department and grab himself a couple of assists and even a lucky odd goal.
Today I think we may see that, especially after manager Cookie told of his dissatisfaction with the crossing, so training was surely done in the week.
Match Facts & Stats
Cambridge was the only side Pompey managed a league double over last season, winning 2-1 at Fratton and 6-2 at the Abbey.
Matt Tubbs will surely want another hat-trick as he looks to improve on his 2 goals so far this season, a very average return for a striker, just less than a quarter through the campaign.
Ref Watch:
Vigilante Carlstroem
Match Prediction:
I think it’s time to get back to winning ways as we continue the charge at the 4th tier’s summit. 2-0 for me. Perhaps not the goals galore every fan wants, and certainly not the goalfest of last season’s match, but a return to goals nonetheless and a needed 3 points.
Next Fixtures: Newport Away
Next Saturday Pompey are off on their travels again, heading to Wales for the tie with Newport. Just 60 tickets have been put up for away fans for the game, an embarrassing offer for a Pompey following that’s the highest not just in League Two, but League One also. Stingy eh?
PLAY UP POMPEY!
POMPEY PLAY UP!