Oppositions View: Portsmouth

Last updated : 20 November 2009 By Dan Buxton

Pompey have had a poor start to the season whilst Stoke are in a more than acceptable 9th, and welcome Pompey to the Brit with an impressive record at home. Do you think the visitors have a good chance of picking up three points?

Not really but you never know with Pompey. Stoke are formidable opposition at home, like we once were ourselves when we first got promoted. We failed to deal with Blackburn's physical threat away from home last time and if we play like we did at Ewood Park then we'll get beaten again. A draw would be acceptable but in all honesty we need to win.
 
The Potters are well known for a physical style but what kind of style are Pompey likely to play? 
 
We play good, attractive football on the ground but can mix it up if we have to. We have plenty of pace up front and bite in midfield but we still lack creativity and our defence are prone to making mistakes as a unit.
 
The two sides met in the Carling Cup just a few weeks ago. Portsmouth destroyed Stoke, strolling to a 4-0 win. Do you think that will have any bearing on Sundays game?
 
Not at all, it will be two completely different teams and we all know that this match is going to be much, much tougher especially as Andy Griffin probably won't be playing!
 
Are there any Stoke players you are wary of?
 
The ex-Scummers do worry me a bit. Delap's throw is hard to defend against, especially for as weak a defence as ours whilst James Beattie loves nothing more than scoring against Pompey. Ricardo Fuller also seems to have found some ability since his less than productive time at Fratton Park so he'll be one to watch.
 
Who should we keep an eye out for?
 
Jamie O'Hara and Kevin-Prince Boateng have been our most impressive performers so far but on their day Aruna Dindane and Frederic Piquionne ar e a handful. Younes Kaboul also provides a threat from set-pieces.
 
...and finally, a prediction?

An optimistic 1-1 draw. Though I'm not too hopeful....