In all honesty, given it’s the end of a busy Christmas period with tired legs ahead of a mini-break, I just want to see us continue to keep the points ticking over. The last few weeks clearly shows that there’s a lot of ebb and flow left to come so, while we really should be beating these, a point would hardly be terminal to our promotion hopes. Just need to get through this period, really.
Great thread @RTB. Quality read as always. Early goal would be ideal against these and their confidence will melt. 3-0 Jobe, Neil and Mayenda
I don't think this will be as easy as some think. Yes they are poor away from home but they seem a lot more confident now and have put in some very good home performances recently I am pleased we have an extra day rest before playing this one (actually pleased it's a Sunday game this week) as Wed would have taken a lot out of the lads I think there will be 1 goal in it, they'll sit back and defend, we struggle to break down teams with a low block
Add my thanks to the list of grateful recipients of these top threads RTB They really are in a class of their own and the team rose to the occasion last time out... Same again please lads and end this tough run of fixtures, and end them, higher than any of us hoped or imagined , with a home win 1-0 will do... PS your team looks good to me , tough on Alese, but on balance Cirkin has the pedigree so lets hope if selected he shows it , . OaU
I think this will be a tough game ,they will be the opposite of Wednesdays game, where it will be them that sit back and try to counter .. The exact game plan we struggle with .. .but i'm more than happy to be shown I know nowt and we win easily
Weather forecast not great again mind - hopefully there but my eldest is off travelling for three months so may have a family commitment (trying to persuade her to go to the match!!)
Was just about to mention the weather and its potential impact. Warnings have been updated and Sunday looking the more likely for a snow event. Probably too close to the coast for snow but could be tricky for those coming to the match from further afield
Won’t be easy like, every team in this league struggles when teams play a low block. In fact almost every team in the world does
You’re right but anything other than a win would be a ****e result. Just look at their away record this season
A couple of decent individual results there but 7 points from 12 away games and 29 goals conceded. We need to be beating these
My one nagging worry is having won the away fixture against these I have a theory that winning the return game is very difficult. Please prove me wrong lads and lets have a relaxing last ten minutes unlike Wednesday.
I'm not so sure we stick with the 442. The setup was so effective because of the space in behind the Sheff Utd back 4 and we were able to punish them in transition, i'm not sure Pompey will allow us the space to do that. So I think we'll revert back to the 433 to offer us more control in the midfield. Harsh on one of them but either Isidor or Mayenda out for Aleksic is what I think RLB will do. 3-0. Jobe, Aouchiche & Isidor.
It’ll be a tough game. We need a win though, that’s more important than the performance. Ideally we would rotate some of the team but I don’t see many options. Cirkin back for Alese is the only change I expect.
I agree with most on here in that it will not be an easy game but I do fancy us for a 2-0 win and have a feeling Roberts may get the first 1 and will go for a penalty for the second as Isidor gets fouled running into the box. Hopeful thinking but would settle for a 1-0 as long as we win.
RLB: Says there is nothing imminent (incoming or outgoing) happening in the transfer window currently. We know exactly what we need, Yes I have the backing of the board, we are aligned. With 2 forwards it is a big strength for us, it was good for both strikers too. Consistency is the key for the players, they are well connected to the identity of the club, we need to reinforce their confidence for them to succeed. Dan Neil's role in the game was very important for the balance of the team. Ballard - we have to be careful with this type of muscle injury, Salis is training now, Riggy may be ready for Stoke. We have to focus on our game. It is good news to have interest in our players from other clubs - the dynamic at the club is good for their development, it is a human journey for all young players. We are all connected, owner, sporting director & coaching staff - it's a team effort to find the best way to succeed.
