It’s nearly top vs bottom today as Pompey, chasing pole position Plymouth, head to strugglers Newport in Wales this afternoon.
The Blues are flying high, boasting the best away record in England so far, taking 14 points from 18 and remaining unbeaten on their travels so far.
The same cannot be said for County. The Exiles, strapped for cash and stripped of players, have taken the scalps of just one opponent this season in all competitions.
There is win for Newport however, having recently negotiated a deal allowing the Supporters’ Trust to take over the club (something Pompey fans know very well.)
Ridding manager Terry Butcher and replacing him with John Sheridan, the aim immediately is to give Rodney Parade fans something to cheer about- by giving them their first win of the season.
Pompey on the other hand, undoubtedly have other ideas. 3 points behind leaders Argyle, in 2nd, the Blues will seek to improve on their unbeaten away run and continue their climb at the summit.
Pompey, travelling off the back of a thrilling 3-1 win at Cambridge, also have new talents to show this afternoon. The probable introduction of Sheffield Wednesday loanee and former Northern Ireland U21 international Caolan Lavery and the full league debut of Kal Naismith add extra spice to an already hot encounter in Wales at 3pm.
Quotes: Football’s a rollercoaster
It’s true- football as us Pompey fans know, is full of its ups and very low downs. But Paul Cook’s emphasis is ensuring no complacency ahead of the clash at Rodney Parade.
Although the gap between Pompey and County is already 17 points, its by no means a write off fixture- Pompey must keep their heads or they can so easily fall away at the top, much like Derby County in the Championship last season.
‘It’s one that everyone expects us to win on paper – but unfortunately we don`t play football on paper.”
‘The reality is that we`re second in the league and now we just keep going against Newport.’
Wise words from Cookie, falling away now would not only be a huge disappointment once more for the Fratton Faithful, but unacceptable in the eyes of the board.
Let’s hope that doesn’t happen then, eh?
Newport County Team News:
Newport now under John Sheridan, have brought in Cardiff pair Tommy O`Sullivan and Jazzi Barnum-Bobb (what a name!), on loan in the week.
Both players are set to feature in the squad, with many Newport eyes set to stay on striker O’Sullivan who was named Welsh Young Player of the Year in the week.
Andrew Hughes (knee) and Nathan Ralph (hamstring) have both returned to training after long-term injuries but both are at least a fortnight away from finally making the cut to play in the first team XI once more.
Player to watch: Aaron Collins
In times for Newport where coming across a player of much quality may be hard, it will always be nice to bring out some home made material.
That’s exactly what they’ve done with 18-year-old Welshman Aaron Collins.
After making his league debut in April, this season the striker has gone on to grab 2 goals and claim 2 assists. OK, it may not me a mega return yet, but for an 18-year-old starting out his football career in the Football League, it’s not a bad start.
In comparison, the Fratton Faithful themselves know the good feeling of seeing homegrown talent break through into the squad and thrive. For example, Conor Chaplin, Adam Webster and Jack Whatmough.
If the quality of Pompey’s trio is anything to go by in terms of this generation’s talent, it’s arguable Collins will go places.
Pompey Team News:
As most will know by now, Pompey will be without winger Gareth Evans on the pitch today. The former Sheffield United wide-man will begin the first of his 3 match suspension after seeing straight red for his late-on challenege at Cambridge last week.
Cook has named Kal Naismith as his replacement with the 23-year-old Scot set to start for the first time in the league since his arrival from Accrington in the summer.
New loan-signing Caolan Lavery will be vying for a start after spending the week training with his new team mates.
The 21-year-old striker, who is aiming for involvement in Northern Ireland’s 2016 European Championship squad said “I`m just here to play games and do the best I can for Pompey – we`ll have to see what that leads to.
I`m an honest player, who will work his socks off and do everything I can for the team. I`ll defend from the front and try to score when I can.’
Lavery may come in alongside or on for Matt Tubbs, as both Adam McGurk and Jayden Stockley remain sidelined following their ankle injuries.
In other squad news, goalkeeper Brian Murphy returns from injury but is unlikely to replace Aaron McCarey between the sticks just yet.
Rommy Boco is also up for selection after returning from his loan spell at Havant and Waterlooville.
Paul Jones remains out with a knee injury, whilst Jack Whatmough continues to be in line for a festive-time return as he recovers from his own long-term knee problem.
Player to watch: Kal Naismith
The Scot, ready to line up in Pompey’s starting XI for only the second time (other in JPT defeat vs Exeter), is raring to go after paying his dos to get back for contention.
After picking a thigh injury on the eve of the season, the former-Rangers midfielder has had to ply his trade in the reserves, until now.
After several impressive showings for Ian Foster’s side, notably a goal and assist in the midweek triumph over Cardiff, the time is now for Naismith to showcase his talent in front of 1,000 travelling Pompey fans.
It’s been mentioned by Cook that off the ball, Naismith lacks a bit of intelligence, however when on it, he can be deadly against defences.
Perhaps some needed flair to jiggle the squad and increase competition within the midfield will be shown today, as Naismith has 3 chances to prove his worth before Evans returns looking to get back into the side.
Match Facts & Stats
The Welsh side have had the better over the Blues across the history of the sides- 12 wins to Pompey’s 11, and 7 wins to 4 at home.
Yet just the one win all season so far should indicate Pompey equalising that record.
With the worst scoring record in League Two and the 2nd worst defensive record, chances for a 2nd win of the season seem unlikely against the 3rd best defence and attack.
Ref Watch:
Laurie Vincent
Match Prediction:
My bet is on a 3-0 win for the Blues this afternoon. All indicators point to a Pompey win, and despite trying to stay full objective, you have to agree that Pompey look very much set to make it 5 wins out 8, and continue their unbeaten start on the road.
It wouldn’t surprise me to see both Lavery and Naismith get on the scoresheet either, with both players looking to prove a point in the Pompey team and win over the fans early.
Next Fixtures: Stevenage at Fratton
Pompey will return to the Fratton pitch on Tuesday night following two weeks on the road against Stevenage.
The Boro have lost 4 of the last 6 before today, and sit in a glum 20th just two points above the 2 relegation places.
Pompey will look to improve on a stuttering home record that has seen 2 wins, 3 draws and a loss so far this campaign.
PLAY UP POMPEY!
POMPEY PLAY UP!