No, this isn’t related to the proposed Michael Eisner takeover at Pompey. I’m pretty sure enough will be said about this in the coming weeks but, as much as I care – PLEASE DO NOT mistake this for me not doing so, this is a topic I’m open minded about to be honest, taking something of a que sera sera approach, trusting the right conclusions for PFC will be reached?
I’m actually going to talk about, albeit an unlikely scenario, Pompey’s chances of nipping in ahead of Doncaster and Plymouth and going on to WIN the league two title? Yes, I know it’s somewhere between slim and none in terms of chances but I decided to look into this and ‘ask the question’ anyway.
Much as I hate to say it I’m actually starting to think Plymouth could actually come through and be crowned champions you know? Argyle have the much easier run-in, well, on paper anyway.
But, let’s look at Pompey first? Cambridge, ninth, come to Fratton Park just two points off the top-seven so they’ll need to come at us tomorrow looking to win, which could actually work in our favour.
Mansfield, 11th as I write this, are also just the two points off the play-offs. Depending on the weekend result they could be very much in the top-seven mix or at the desperation stakes? Either way they’ll probably have to come at Pompey, again this could benefit us at Field Mill.
Finally Cheltenham, 21st as I write and five points above the relegation zone, might be fighting for their lives in a ‘must-win’ game? Alternatively they could be safe by 5pm on Saturday? Whatever happens they’ll hope to end on a high but Pompey will certainly aim for a winning finale at Fratton, for what it’s worth.
Doncaster have a pretty unenviable run-in to be honest. They travel to Wycombe, 13th – two points off the play-offs, tomorrow and then have the visit of Exeter, sixth – a point within the top-seven, to follow. Donny finish off with a meeting against Hartlepool, 22nd – a point above the bottom-two, so there’s literally (as things stand) something for ALL opponents to play for.
It’ll not be a given for Plymouth but with two of the three opponents Argyle face virtually having nothing to play for six points could be enough, maybe even four to see them crowned champions? Colchester, 10th – two points off the top-seven, is arguable the toughest game to kick things off on Saturday? Crawley, 19th – seven points clear of trouble, should be seen off as, I would expect, will be Grimsby, 14th – six points off the play-off.
Pompey WILL have to win all three games, that’s an absolute certainty and any slim chances will end if Doncaster manage any victory – failure to do so, collecting only two points as a maximum, with three Blues wins could see the two sides end level on points with a potential goal difference situation settling it?
Goal difference works in Doncaster’s favour over Plymouth, three points adrift of the leaders and four in front of Pompey, but the fixtures are most definitely favourable to Derek Adams’ side? aren’t they?
At the end of the day Pompey ARE going up, which is the main thing but while there’s a chance of doing so as champions I’ll continue to dream that dream – likely changes, with some fringe players given a go, might work in our favour as these players look to make the most of these chances?
But PLEASE if this unlikely scenario doesn’t pan out do not blow it Donny and let Argyle come through?
PLAY UP POMPEY
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2016-17 Prediction League – April
Cambridge (h) – Saturday 22nd April – click here.
Mansfield (a) – Saturday 29th April – click here.
