Just realised that this will be the first time in a couple of years that I'll actually join in with some Pompey songs
Lol, just had a convo over our company instant messaging with a colleague (Bmth fan) it went something like this: Him: Looking forward to the big Derby! Me: Yep, should be great Him: Score predictions? Me: On paper we should walk it, but Derby games are tough so I say 2-0 to us Him: No way, we are quite matched Me: Really, I wouldn't say so? Him: So you going then? Me: No, couldn't get tickets Him: I thought you had a season ticket Me: I do, but not enough aways Him: huh? Me: The derby game, Tuesday? you needed 8 or 9 aways to get tickets Him: I meant tonight Me: Oh
Just went over to a Bournemouth forum and they are pretty annoyed none of us seem that bothered about them or this game. They seem to think that we are all ****ing idiots if we'd rather beat a division 3 team than win tonight. One of them said that Bournemouth, on paper, should win easily as there is not one Saints player (maybe Bertrand) who would get into a combined team. I laughed originally but then I thought about it and he might actually have a bit of a point
That young keeper they've got looks very good, from what I've seen hard to say Gunn is better. Valery is a good shout and Hojbjerg apart from that I can't think of anyone else who definitely would. Wilson/Wilson/Fraser/Brooks is definitely as good as our attack if not better (although Boufal is miles better than all of them). Not sure about CM, that Billings guy is good, Cook is very good and probably the best from a combined team point of view, not sure who else they have tbh. Oh Lerma, don't know much about him tbh
I just popped over to their forum, and you are right, they are gutted we don't see them as true rivals. They are, it is just that the Pompey rivalry is so intense. The problem is that they are trying to create a rivalry, and it can't just be created it just needs to evolve. Look at Brighton. No real issues with them until the Adkins years when he tongue in cheek said "If they can keep up". That was it. Full blown rivalry now. Well not full blown, but probably more than Bompey.
Yeah definitely is, maybe one of ours would partner him though. Apart from Ake it looks a pretty average group combined
Let's be honest....we do care about this game. All wins are important and we need to take points more often from clubs in the bottom half (where we are likely to be come the end of season). Also, we see ourselves as the 'big' club so would be miffed to lose, especially at home, but that's about it. Bournemouth feel the rivalry more because they still see themselves as underdogs who need to put us in our place.....though they may not like to admit it.
I agree, it is important. If the Pompey game wasn't on, it would feel bigger. I'm worried if we lose both - that would be a bad, bad, bad week.