Thankfully for most Pompey fans, their beloved team is back on their travels- somewhere they’ve faired far better than at home this season so far.
15 games in, Pompey are 2nd place, losing just once and winning 7. Yet the 4th successive draw in a row at home last Saturday, has proven enough for some of the Fratton Faithful to become dissatisfied at this point in time.
Whilst I personally think the criticism is uncalled for, sure, we’d all like some better home form.
But flip the home/away records and there would be 0 complaints.
Yet its a chance for the Blues to secure a 6th away win of the season – which would see them gain the best away record in England – and remain unbeaten on their travels. Something all Pompey fans can be proud of, given Pompey’s traditionally shocking away form.
Notts County however, shouldn’t be underestimated as much as some are saying.
Relegated England’s third tier last term, and currently 16th in League Two, County have just one win in their last 7.
Yet their latest win came in at Meadow Lane in the 2-0 victory against Yeovil, a side Pompey have failed to beat at home already.
An interesting encounter pursues, with Magpies’ boss Ricardo Moniz relishing a tie against big opposition.
Another thing to note is the size of the pitch at Notts’ Meadow Lane ground – built to replicate that of the new Wembley, width will be a crucial factor in the clash – something Pompey may benefit from with the attacking Ben Davies and the return of winger Gareth Evans.
Vital Quotes: No to change
Paul Cook has battled critics in the past weeks over his style of play and the success it brings.
Yet the Scouser is adamant his passing game will reap rewards.
And the calls for a switch to 2 up front isn’t new to the Pompey boss, who heard similar critique at former club Chesterfield.
‘We lost four games on the bounce last season at Chesterfield,`
‘So I took an extra day off and came back in. I was going to change the formation to go three at the back.
‘We were playing Fleetwood at home on the Saturday. We trained on the Friday morning against the kids and they were 3-0 up against us after eight minutes!
‘We reverted back to what we were doing – and we won 3-0 the next day.`
Chesterfield were promoted from League Two the same season, the formation will get us there.
Notts County Team News:
Former Pompey triallist Thierry Audel is a doubt for the Magpies after suffering an ankle knock at Bristol Rovers last week, but will undergo a late fitness check to assess the severity.
Mawouna Amevor returns after suspension however – the defender serving a one-match ban at Exeter.
Player to watch: Izale McLeod
It had to be didn’t it?
An unpopular player at Fratton, McLeod in reality didn’t do that badly at Pompey.
11 goals between August 2012 and January 2013, it would appear a very decent return for one half of a season.
Yet the lack of work rate which Pompey fans first and foremost seek, was clearly absent in the striker.
So the striker – who has 5 league goals so far this campaign – will be looking to silence his haters, of which there are a fair few in the travelling support.
He’ll have to deal with a poor reception, yet 31-year old is critical when given sight of goal, so the Blues defence must be alert to the striker today.
If not, chances are he’ll punish us.
Pompey Team News:
Gareth Evans is back for selection after serving a 3 match ban for his straight red at Cambridge.
The winger is likely to go straight back into the fold, after lacklustre performances from potential replacements in Rommy Boco and Kal Naismith.
However Gary Roberts remains out with an ankle problem. Paul Cook says the midfielder will definitely not feature for at least another couple of weeks so he can fully recover.
Jayden Stockley also remains out with his own ankle problem, with a return date still unknown for the forward.
Fellow forward Adam McGurk is up for selection once more, after recovering from his ankle knock. McGurk was an unused sub against Mansfield, yet there is widespread call for the ex-Burton Albion man to come back into the 11.
Both Paul Jones and Jack Whatmough are still sidelined with their respective knee injuries, however Whatmough is still on course for a return over December.
The England U19 defender began light training with a ball on Thursday- the first time he’s kicked a ball in over 7 months- a big step for the young centre back.
Pompey no longer have the choice of James Dunne, after the combative central midfielder joined Dagenham on a month’s loan in the week.
The out-of-favour player, who gained plenty of heart from Pompey fans with his efforts last season, has made just one appearance since his return from injury- a 14 minute stint in the 2-1 cup loss to Reading.
Yet Cook insists that Dunne may still become a big part in the Pompey side, should he impress and get valuable minutes at the Daggers. Cook said: ‘Doors aren’t closed in football, until they’re closed’.
Player to watch: Gareth Evans
I’m excited to have him back, it seems Pompey have really missed his penetrating, battling work on the wing.
I had the fortune to speak personally with Evans in the week (with the Portsmouth News), with the winger saying: ‘I`ve been training every day and on the treadmill in the gym. You`re not playing so I`ve been keeping my fitness topped up so I`m ready.
‘It`s pleasing if the gaffer has said we`ve missed me. It`s nice to feel wanted and be back in the fold.
‘It`s up to the manager if he puts me back in or not.’
I want him back in, I think he can inspire us to victory today.
Match Facts & Stats
Pompey haven’t had recent success against County, losing the last 3 meetings.
They came in the League One season of 2012-2013. Pompey lost both a league fixture and cup game at Fratton 2-0, whilst also slumping to a 3-0 defeat at Meadow Lane.
Since however, Pompey can regain the best away record in the country with a win, and poor recent form from County can encourage them further.
Yet with 4 home wins, Notts are no mugs, and it could be tough for Pompey travelling up to Nottinghamshire
Ref Watch:
Tom Clarke
Match Prediction:
It’s going to be tough today I feel, really tough.
Hopefully we aren’t disappointed but it wouldn’t surprise me too much if Pompey suffer their first away defeat of the season.
Some fans’ complacency may be badly misplaced, with some forgetting this is still a League One outfit of last year.
Positively, I’ll say 2-1 Pompey, but my head says 2-2. I’m not disregarding a loss, but I just don’t want that!
Next Fixtures: Silkmen Home
Pompey are out to end a shocking run in the FA Cup, at the 8th time of asking…
Non-league Macclefield travel to Pompey for the first ever fixture between the two sides, who sit in mid-table in the Conference.
The last FA Cup triumph for Pompey came in the famous 2-0 win over Harry Redknapp’s Spurs at Wembley in 2010.
Yet a cup hoodoo as hit since, so a big chance to change that.