Fan Hub partner Off The Line previews Pompey’s trip to Port Vale

You can read their full Sky Bet League One weekend preview here.

Port Vale were winners last weekend away at Burton 2-0. It was Vale’s second win of the season while the signing of Ellis Harrison has been key to them with them having a focal point and a goal scorer up front.

Vale were excellent after taking the lead last weekend, they saw the game out defending excellently and not allowing Burton an opportunity to get back into the game.

The Valiants will need to be at their best this weekend too with Portsmouth posing a different threat. However, if they can get in front and try to frustrate their opponents they could get an impressive result this weekend.

Pompey were victorious last weekend against Bristol Rovers 3-1 and definitely knew they’d been in a game with the Gas pushing them into the final ten minutes before scoring two late goals.

Portsmouth lost central midfielder Louis Thompson to a double leg fracture. He was replaced by Tom Lowery who was excellent in the centre of midfield.

Despite Joey Barton’s criticism, I highly expect the Cowley’s to stick with their 4-4-2 formation. Portsmouth sit 3rd in the league with three wins and two draws from their opening five games.

They have scored the joint most goals in the league (12). However, they were beaten 3-2 by League Two Newport in midweek in the Carabao Cup. Despite a Ronan Curtis brace, a much changed Pompey side struggled to contain Newport’s pace and directness; the regulars will be back this weekend, mind.

Key Player – Ellis Harrison
As previously mentioned, Port Vale striker Ellis Harrison has been key since coming in from Fleetwood. The former Portsmouth man will be eager to get one over his old club having scored two goal in his last two games.

Photo; Below 2020 Media