Pompey remain at home this week, looking to put behind them the unexpected home defeat that shattered Pompey’s 9 game unbeaten run- ending the last unbeaten run in League Two, and the second to last in the entire country.
The opponents, Yeovil are ones Pompey should hold high hopes of dominating. The Glovers have had a disastrous few years, falling through the leagues with no money, something Pompey fans can very much sympathise with.
Back-to-back relegations from the Championship to League One, then to League Two and 3rd bottom after ten games, Yeovil are already scrapping to avoid a third successive relegation that would see the only Somerset side in the Football League to vanish.
The tie will show the story of two sides very much with different aspirations this year- Pompey sit nicely in 3rd, looking to regain top spot after losing out to Exeter at Fratton. Yeovil, 3rd bottom, who have taken just 4 points 7 points out of a possible 30, need a win just as much as Pompey.
Vital Quotes: Show Some Respect
Something a little different than the usual rallying cry of the gaffer or the intentions of victory from a player, tomorrow Pompey are looking to showcase the FA Respect Programme.
After it’s introduction in the 2008/2009 season, the Respect programme is aiming to eliminate any poor behaviour to preserve the Beautiful Game and it’s joys.
Colin Farmery had this to say: ‘We want Fratton Park to be a stadium where everyone in our community feels welcome and can enjoy their football in a vibrant, but safe and secure environment. That is what this campaign is all about.”
Something a little different, but a cause all of us can associate ourselves with to spread the good word in football.
Pompey Team News:
Following the midweek defeat to Exeter, Pompey may look to shuffle the pack to bring back the flair to go another 9 games unbeaten.
The key area to improve on Tuesday’s loss is delivery- never have I seen such horrendous crossing in a football game. 90% of balls in were too long, and I’d love to say the other 10% were spot on, but they were just too short. It also wasn’t cancelled about by clever through balls or openings either.
Gary Roberts is likely to be recalled to the starting line-up, after recovering fully from injury and grabbing the last goal in the 2-1 defeat. Hopefully Robbo will be that source of accurate service and sit back into his role of playmaker.
Matt Tubbs is due a recall to the starting line-up, after beginning the last few matches watching from the bench before late introductions.
Michael Doyle is also set to return to the starting XI. After serving his suspension, and sitting 80 minutes on the bench on Tuesday, it’s near certain the Pompey skipper will be restored to the first team.
In terms of injuries, Pompey have been fairly quiet on the progress of Nigel Atangana, so I can’t predict when he’ll be back.
However we do know that both Jack Whatmough will remain out until around the festive period, as Paul Cook says, and Adam McGurk will be out until around the last week of this month.
Player to watch: Gary Roberts
With his likely reintroduction to the line-up, I think a few eyes will be on Robbo. The golden man in the eyes of many, his performances before his injury lacked in excitement and role.
A player who can easily play behind the striker or on the wing, the man has a lot in his locker and can be very successful here. His early performances showed that with some trickery and a few goals.
However it seemed that once the season has settled in, his performances dropped and in reality, were just a little boring.
So I think it’s time for Robbo to pick it up again, become the playmaker again and grab a goal, and become the fan legend every is so excited to see him become.
Yeovil Town Team News:
Yeovil need to try something new to kick start their campaign, but that’s been the saying of many a Glover fan since August 2013.
To make matters worse, that something new will be hard to come by, with a big injury list:
The good news for the visitors is that midfielder Marc Laird could feature after a hamstring injury while Alex Lacey and skipper Ryan Dickson are also close to returning after groin problems.
However, Ben Tozer (knee), Kevin Dawson (pelvis), Simon Gillett (knee) and Jamie Burrows (ankle) are all still in the treatment room.
Omar Sowunmi (ankle) and ex-Pompey cameo Jack Compton (calf) also remain sidelined but could be available next week for the fixture vs Dagenham.
Player to watch: Wes Fogden
Pompey welcome back Wes Fogden tomorrow afternoon, a player who made 29 appearances for the Blues across the last two seasons.
Some think Foggy may still be here, should have he retained his starting place but for a long-term knee injury that killed off his place in the side.
Pompey fans know that whilst an unorthodox midfielder, he’s like a weasel that always pops up, picking at your ankles for the ball.
A player who wins over crowds with his endless energy and 110% effort, despite not being the best player, Pompey will have to keep him relatively quiet, yet a few faces are likely to give Foggy a cheer throughout the game.
Match Facts & Stats
Not much can be taken from the history of the two sides, have they have only ever met 3 times. Twice in the 2012/2013 season, in which the visitors were promoted and us, relegated.
The sides both won that year, whilst the most recent meeting came in 2014, when Pompey beat them 3-1 in the JPT.
Ref Watch:
Tord Øverland Knudsen
Match Prediction:
3-0. I can only see Pompey returning to winning ways against this opponent, whilst I can echo Paul Cook’s aim of improving our inconsistent home record.
Next Fixtures: Cambridge Away
Pompey travel to Cambridge next weekend, a side as of this evening, sit in the middle of the table.
Pompey fans will very much be hoping for a repeat of last year’s fixture, in which Pompey thrashed United 6-2 on their home turf.