Pompey are definitely one of the sides that you’d say have something to be concerned about when they look over their shoulder, with the pack at the bottom of the table grouped together so tightly.

They currently find themselves on 39 points after 33 games, just 3 places and 5 points above Leicester City in 22nd place. In recent weeks, Pompey have been very hot and cold, picking up two back-to-back away wins amongst 3 losses.

Key Players

Terry Devlin

The Northern Irish full-back has been Pompey’s key player so far, starting in 28 out of their 33 league matches. He has contributed with 5 goals, playing as a very progressive full-back, as we see with Lewie Coyle, always aiming to make overlapping runs to give Pompey an extra option in attack.

Nicolas Schmid

The Austrian shot-stopper has been one of the first names on the team sheet for almost 2 seasons in a row now for Pompey. In his last 6 games, he has averaged over a 7.1 out of 10.

Ebou Adams

Since moving to Pompey from Derby County in January, Adams has featured consistently, bossing the middle of the park as a deep-lying playmaker. He has provided 2 goals and 1 assist, as well as 1 MOTM performance, so far.

Their Last Few

Preston North End 1 - 0 Portsmouth
Portsmouth 0 - 1 Sheffield United
Charlton Athletic 1 - 3 Portsmouth
Millwall 1 - 3 Portsmouth
Wrexham 2 - 1 Portsmouth

Head to Head

City haven’t faced Portsmouth all too much in recent years, only 9 times since 2010, Pompey have won on 3 occasions, City have won 4, and the remaining 2 both ended level.
The Tigers are currently unbeaten in their last 4 matches against Portsmouth, winning 4-0 at Fratton Park on their way to the League One title, drawing both fixtures last season 1-1, and leaving it late to win 3-2 at home earlier this season, thanks to a fantastic goal from Joffy.

Predictions

Starting Lineup

Goalkeeper: Ivor Pandur
Left Back: Lewie Coyle
Centre Back: John Egan
Centre Back: Charlie Hughes
Right Back: Cody Drameh#

Midfield: Regan Slater
Midfield: Matt Crooks
Attacking Midfield: Joe Gelhardt

Left Wing: Liam Millar
Striker: Oli McBurnie
Right Wing: Kyle Joseph

Scoreline

City could really do with picking up another win here, considering just how tough their next 3 games after Portsmouth are, facing 3 playoff-pushing sides in a row.
It’ll certainly be a challenge for the Tigers, as Fratton Park is always a tough ground to go to as an away side, but City will have some fond memories there from last season, where they pulled off the great escape, and I don’t see why they can’t go one better this season and bring home all 3 points, I’m going for a 2-1 away win!

Up The Tigers!!