Pompey head into their 8th league game of the season tomorrow, we average less than a point a game so far, tomorrow is the time to put it right.
Vital Quotes:
Steve Cotterill reckons he can see the hunger in the Pompey side to put the very average start to the season behind them, if he thinks the players are hungry, he ought to take a sideways glance at his fans!
Pompey fans are bit used to some adversity, anyone over 25 remembers the year after year struggle to impose upon a championship/div1/div2 season.
After the riches of the Premier league its back to the pie and mash football we are more than used to, and to be fair that is probably Pompeys level, year after year of lack of foresight from the money men has seen no progress off of the pitch to stabilise what is on it, hopefully CSI are the men with the nous to change all that, early signs are good.
As for the current Pompey outfit, we show flashes of great promise, we have enough experience to suggest we should be more consistent, a very promising display at West Ham was followed by further defeat to Hull, the performances sontrasting greatly though, the only similarities were defeat and indiscipline resulting in red cards.
At home Pompey have not the hit the heights for quite a while, it is a full 12 months since we smashed Leicester 6-1 at home, 11 months since Pompey treated their fans to more than 2 goals in home match, with attendances waining, hardly the stuff to have fans clambering through the turnstiles to return.
Pompey Team News:
Pompey will be without Varney for 3 matches, this is partially offset with the return of Lawrence, Huseklepp looks highly likely to play on the left once more as he settles in, while Benjani looks set for an extended run with Kitson crocked for a couple of weeks. Futacs loooks like he is starting to elbow his way into the side soon, he has impressed in training and may get a longer run out this week.
Player to watch: Huseklepp
Had a quite home debut last month but is starting to find his feet, he has obvious talent, tomorrow would be a great time for it to flow in a torrent.
Blackpool Team News:
Blackpool have ‘Dad’s army ‘ upfront, Ormerod and Phillips make Kanu look youthful, Bogdanovic is likely to replace the former tomorrow though.
Also available will be Grandin and Crainey who have both recovered form knocks.
Player to watch: Phillips
In the autumn of a goal filled career now, but still has a deadly eye when confronted with two sticks placed 8 yards apart.
Match Facts & Stats
Last time we met in the league was in 1981 back in the old division 3, it was 3-3 on the day, great names like Tait and Rafferty getting on the scoresheet.
Ref Watch:
James Dean Bradfield
Match Prediction:
Place your bets here.
Next Fixtures:
Peterborough on tuesday evening