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The Manager

Star Player

Past Positions

Past Meetings

Recent games between Pompey and the Mariners have often ended in the Mariners favour. Last season a David Smith goal in the 80th minute gave Town a point in Alan Buckley's last ever game in charge of Town, with the game ending 1-1.

The season before that when the two sides met in September, Town came away victorious with a 2-1 victory in a game full of controversy. Firstly, Town took the lead after just nine minutes, with striker Lee Ashcroft sliding home. But then, after a foul by keeper Danny Coyne, the former Tranmere stopper was given his marching orders and a penalty was given. Rookie keeper Stevie Crousden was then giving the unenviable task of trying to stop Alan McLoughlin's 34 minute penalty, and despite not managing to get near the inch perfect spot kick, Crousden went on to make a string of fine saves.

Town held out until half time and just after the hour, Stacy Coldicott struck his first league goal for the Mariners after good work by Jack Lester. This meant Towns first away win of that season, a feat that was only to be reproduced twice.

Portsmouth Head-to-Head (73rd on The Opposition Ladder).

Hopes For This Season

After last seasons end-of-season collapse, many Pompey fans will be more than satisfied with mid table safety. The south coast club have no doubt got aspirations for the Premiership, but this might be a season to soon.

There is no denying that there is quality in their squad, but after the loss of Darren More to WBA, there is a big hole of fill at the back. If a good central defender is found then I fancy Portsmouth to flirt with the play offs, but surely the main aim this year is to get some consistency.

Milan Mandaric has already sacked 3 managers since he took over in 1998 and yet another axing will to the club more harm than good, that's for sure. The key for Portsmouth is to regularly score goals, which has been a problem over the years and they will be hoping that either Peter Crouch or Mark Burchill will get 20+ goals this season, in order to mount a serious play off challenge.

Ins/Outs

Visitors Injury List

Keeper Dave Beasant is struggling with a hand injury so if he fails to make it then veteran Alan Knight could deputise or Graham Rix could prefer youngster Chris Tardiff.

Pompey Squad: Dave Beasant, Alan Knight, Chris Tardiff, Scott Hiley, Lewis Buxton, Alessandro Zamperini, Kevin Harper, Neil Barrett, Gary O'Neil, Jamie Vincent, Robert Prosinecki, Peter Crouch, Lee Bradbury, Mark Burchill, Jason Crowe, Nigel Quashie, Courtney Pitt.

Prediction For Game

Well, I'm afraid I got the last prediction wrong for the last game, although I did guess that it would be a score draw, so I was almost there! Town will certainly find Portsmouth tougher than last season, but having a decent record down at Fratton Park, I fancy Town to grab a win. After all, Portsmouth won their last match which more than likely means they'll loose the next, so I'll got for a 2-1 win

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