Pompey open their Fratton account for the season against Barnet in the league cup, maybe not the match we wanted for a curtain raiser, but there you go.
Vital Quotes:
This match is likely to be poorly attended, not just because Pompey entertain Brighton on satyrday, but because Barnet would not agree with Pompey trying to slash ticket costs for the match, the face value for a cheapest ticket will be £17, probably not too many takers for that against a team who narrowly avoided dropping from the league last term.
Barnet had a fair pre-season including a 3-2 win over a Spurs XI, after last seasons turmoil they got off to a flier at Morecombe this week, winning by one goal to get early points on the board.
Lawrie Sanchez is the man pulling the strings, the Irishman with the cockney accent and Spanish name has plenty of managerial experience and will have drilled Barnet into a much better unit this term.
Pompey Team News:
Pompey have a doubt over Liam Lawrence once more, he felt a pain in his hamstring but a scan has shown up clear, it’s a matter of finding what his latest problem is in a long list of niggles.
Jason Pearce serves the second of a three match ban.
If Steve Cotterill is likely to tinker with his line up, Henderson looks most likely to getting an outing, Ryan Williams may also get a first start.
Otherwise Pompey are likely to go with the same team, such are our limited options.
Player to watch: Williams
The young Aussie is certainly making people sit up and take notice, he obviously has quality, its just time to put promise onto the field.
Barnet Team News:
Steve Kabba and Izale McLeod are probably the most recognisable names amongst the Bees squad, Kabba though is crocked at the moment and Jason price who is on loan started the season up front.
Dennehy and Leach who both missed large chunks of last season are both still absent.
Player to watch: McLeod
Ex England U21 striker, had a prolific spell with MK Dons but fell away somewhat, rediscovered some form last term with 14 goals.
Match Facts & Stats
We’ve only met once before, Guy Whittingham netting a hat-trick in a 5-0 win at Underhill.
Ref Watch:
John Graham Mellor
Match Prediction:
stick you guess here.
Next Fixtures:
Brighton at Fratton