Pompey v Swindon

Pompey are still in search of a that illusive first home win this season – not that they are flowing freely away from it, we have only one win to our name!

The latest opponent to visit Fratton are Swindon tonight, so things do not get any easier.

Vital Quotes:

The weekend was ‘meant’ to bring our first home 3pts of the season, but Walsall had other ideas and a former Pompey youngster helped stick it to us as we lost again!

Swindon, with all due respect to Walsall, are – in my opinion – a tougher prospect so we might have to be prepared for another setback…

Pompey Team News:

We have been poor defensively this season, the fact that we have not really been able to name a settled back four has not helped and we will have to shuffle the pack again due to Kevin Long (back) being injured. With Gabor Gyepes, Ashley Westwood and Paul Connolly – who has returned to Leeds – injured Lubomir Michalik, fitness lacking or not, looks set to make his Pompey debut as a result.

Jordan Obita (suspension) can return and will give us another attacking option, probably from the bench although I think Ashley Harris – who I think is best used as an impact player at this stage – will drop out again so it will be Obita or Jack Compton to come in.

Conor Clifford has returned to Chelsea with Appy deciding not to extend his loan.

Player to watch: Lee Williamson

The guy has had his moments since he arrived in the summer but, if I am honest, I am still waiting for us to see the player he is meant to be at this level – lets hope tonight’s the night!

Swindon Team News:

Not too many injury problems for Swindon from the looks of it, more a case of who is ‘pushing for a starting place’ really, among them looking to do so are Gary Roberts and James Collins.

Troy Archibald-Henville is returning from injury, but will again be among the subs.

Player to watch: Matty Ritchie

Could not have been any other player really could it, other than one who should still have been playing for us instead of against us!

Match Facts & Stats

In 67 previous meetings in total Swindon hold a slight 26-23 lead, with 18 draws. At Fratton though we hold a 14-9 advantage though, with the other 10 being draws.

The last meeting came way back in March 2000 when we won 4-1 at Fratton, with us currently 5 unbeaten against them – the last defeat coming in October 1997 when they won 1-0 at Fratton on a Friday Halloween night.

Ref Watch:

Steve Winwood.

Match Prediction:

To be honest a win would be pretty special, in keeping with what we have managed against teams ‘probably’ inferior to Swindon so far, so a draw would definitely be acceptable.

Make your prediction here.