Pompey make the long trip to Fleetwood on Saturday looking to maintain pressure on the automatic promotion places.
The Blues bounced back from their Coventry setback with a comfortable win against Shrewsbury. After the midweek mayhem in the EFL Trophy, Pompey need to focus all their attention on the Fylde coast in what looks like an extremely tough fixture.
Pompey have already beaten Barton’s men once this season, in the 3rd round of the FA Cup. A James Bolton header and John Marquis tap in sealed the Blues place in the 4th round. Both goals coming from set-pieces.
On that day the Blues edged a fairly even contest and their set-piece prowess caused Fleetwood problems. If they can replicate the delivery and the threat from dead-ball situations, Fleetwood definitely looked vulnerable.
Andy Cannon and Ellis Harrison are both doubts for Saturday’s fixture, however John Marquis will be able to fill in up-front and Cameron McGeehan in the No 10 position; both were influential in Tuesday night’s win over Exeter.
Fleetwood have picked up some impressive results recently, beating Wycombe at Adams’ Park and then Peterborough at home shows they are not going to be pushovers. They have plenty of experience and are particularly good at home, where conditions could be a factor.
I believe a point would be a good result this weekend, given their recent form and the winnable home games Pompey have coming up.
It is crucial there is no hangover from Tuesday’s EFL Trophy game and that the Blues maintain their good form in the League.
I can see Pompey taking an early lead from a set-piece but then being pegged back in the 2nd half after a period of Fleetwood pressure.
Photo: Losing My Sight UK
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