Portsmouth’s hope of getting out of the League One through direct promotions spot took a massive hit as they squandered a three-goal lead against Southend United this weekend. Kenny Jackett’s men led the game by three goals around the half-hour mark, and after that, it seemed like everything went downhill for them.
Ever since the turn of the year, it seems like the Pompey are likely going to fight for the playoff spots. They will be in desperate need of a win when they take on Bristol Rovers in this midweek clash, a team which currently occupies the 20th spot on the table. Surprisingly, Rovers have a better defensive record than third-placed Portsmouth in the League One. Therefore Portsmouth are not going to find it easy to breach Bristol’s defence at Fratton Park.
Team News
Tom Naylor is going to be available after serving his two-match suspension. Dion Donohue remains a major doubt. Jack Whatmough is going to be a long term absentee. Andy Cannon and Luke McGee are still a fair bit away from being available.
Jackett had earlier said (The News), ”We always felt they (Curtis and Lowe) may need a rest at some stage across the second half of the season.”
We saw Curtis being given a breather in the last game so maybe Jamal Lowe could be rested in this tie.
Portsmouth predicted lineup Vs Bristol Rovers
Formation (4-4-2)
Defence
Craig MacGillivray wasn’t helped by his defence as he conceded three goals in the last game. He is set to start in goal once again. Chrisitan Burgess has done well while filling in for the injured Whatmough. He should start once again at the back. The other centre back spot is likely to be occupied by Matt Clarke.
Lee Brown is a nailed on starter in the left back role. Former Tottenham player Anton Walkes should start once again in the right-back spot.
Midfield
Tom Naylor should return in the middle of the park. He is likely to be partnered by Ben Close who has been the most influential player in midfield in the past few games.
Viv Solomon Otabor did a decent job on the left in the last game, but he could be asked to play on the right in this tie. Jackett would hope that a relatively fresh Ronan Curtis can create a significant impact down the left.
Attack
The formula of two strikers up front paid rich dividends against Southend. However, the manager made a blunder as after being 3-0 up, his side became ultra-defensive and never looked capable of stringing a few passes together. We expect him to learn from his mistakes and start with two strikers up front once again. Oliver Hawkins and Omar Bogle should lead the line for the Pompey.
