This game was originally scheduled for September. At the time, Pompey were undefeated and 2nd in the league, whereas we were 10th and experiencing an upturn in form after a slow start to the season. Pompey are in a similar vein of form now, with just 2 defeats in their last 10 (6 wins) albeit that has only been enough to drag them back to 9 points off the play off pace. After we were supposed to play Portsmouth before, they went on a run of just 1 league win in 4 months. This supports the early bookies price of 12/11 in favour of the reds. Pompey have the 9th best away record in the division, although their win over Cambridge at the weekend ended a run of 1 away league win in their last 8. They do appear to have improved under John Mousinho, who has got Pompey competing with the better sides in the league again. Portsmouth have found Oakwell a difficult place to visit historically. Just 1 away win in the last 14 meetings at Oakwell, stretching as far back as 1989. In that time, the reds have been victorious 10 times, 8 of which have been to nil. Even that solitary Pompey win during that run was over 20 years ago, with Robert Prosinecki running the show and assisting 3 goals. This does feel like the sort of fixture we've typically struggled with. That being said, Portsmouth won't relish such a long trip on a Tuesday night, and considering our own good run of form, and our record at Oakwell over Portsmouth, I'm going for a 2-1 win to the Reds, with Norwood and Phillips on target.
Tough game. If Connell is back I think we'll win. However, if he's still out then I can see a very frustrating night and a 1-0 defeat.
Agreed on Connel but I think he will be the difference between a win and a draw. 2-0 with Luca. 1-1 without
I rekon we'll win 5 - 0 ish, C,O,Y,R, wer gunner gi somebody a drubbing afore long, C,O,Y,R, fook me av yer seen liverpool score just seen it, WOW.
That's why they arrive in a nearby hotel tomorrow evening. Be a good game this. Only £20 in the Ponty again. Live music. Bring your flags and scarves. Sing for Beth. Get behind them!