Fan Hub partner Off The Line previews Pompey’s trip to Cheltenham Town
You can read their full Sky Bet League One weekend preview here.
Cheltenham were absolutely battered in midweek by Exeter 7-0. The Robins made eight changes from last weekend’s 1-0 defeat away at Barnsley and were punished for their changes.
Winger Will Ferry was signed on loan from Southampton in midweek and was thrown in at the deep end for his debut just hours later. It is now three defeats in three games for Cheltenham and Wade Elliott has called for this to be a wake-up call for his side.
A rather disappointed Elliott’s job to pick the team this weekend will be made easier though as the players he gave a chance to let him down. Cheltenham need a response especially for the fans who stuck with them in midweek when they could have vented their frustrations.
Pompey were 3-0 winners in midweek at Cardiff in the Carabao Cup thanks to goals from Joe Pigott, Ronan Curtis and Colby Bishop. That followed last weekend’s 0-0 draw with Lincoln in a game where the Blues struggled to take their chances.
Pompey have signed Tom Lowery following his contract expiry with Crewe Alexandra and Owen Dale on loan from Blackpool. Both have impressed previously and have a really high ceiling if they are managed correctly and can put their mind to playing football.
I doubt Danny Cowley will be too worried about last weekend’s 0-0 draw with his side still creating lots of chances, even more so with the fine midweek cup win. It’s when you stop creating chances that manager’s start to worry and Pompey look a lot stronger than I expected.
Key Player – Joe Pigott
Pompey striker Joe Pigott opened his account in midweek for his new club. I expect him to have a great season and form a strong partnership with Colby Bishop.
Last Time: A poor Pompey display saw the Blues go down 1-0 at Cheltenham Town back in April 2022.
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