This time last week, there were real doubts as to whether this fixture would actually take place. But a week as they say, is a long time in football. Since then Pompey and their supporters have gone from the brink of extinction, to survival and a brighter future. As a result, they will be ecstatic to welcome the Mighty Reds’ and nearly 2,500 of it’s supporters to Fratton Park on Saturday, after finding a solution to their financial troubles.
Things are beginning to look alot better for the South Coast club, both on and off the pitch. Following a shaky start to the season that saw them propping up the table at one point, they have begun to find their feet after relegation from the Prem. On the back of 3 successive victories and the news of a better future ahead for the club, there probably isn’t a worse time to be facing Portsmouth, from a Forest perspective.
The Reds’ though should go into this game with a fair amount of confidence themselves, following wins in their previous 2 games. Both league defeats suffered so far this campaign have come on our travels, but the run of recent results suggests we may be able to get something at Pompey. With just 1 defeat in our last 12 games, you’d favour another draw for the Reds’ in this.
Vital Quotes:
Portsmouth Team News:
Ricardo Rocha could make a surprise return for Pompey, after recovering from his hamstring injury that saw him miss the game with Hull.
Player to watch: David Nugent
After a disappointing and slow start to life back in the Championship, he looks to be getting back to the form that saw Portsmouth shell out £6m to Preston for the striker. He’s bagged 4 goals so far this season and had his best game for them in the 2-1 away win at Hull in midweek.
Nottingham Forest Team News:
Forest will be able to recall Ryan Bertrand, following his 1 match suspension for picking up 5 yellow cards. Although Robert Earnshaw made the bench last week, it may still be too early for him to make a return and is said to be some way from full match fitness. Nathan Tyson is also a major doubt and is still suffering with a knee injury.
Player to watch: Lewis McGugan
He’s on fire at the moment and playing out of his skin. 7 goals in the last 8 games says it all.
Match Facts & Stats
In 30 league meetings between the two teams, Forest have won 15, drawn 4 and lost 11. Last time we met in the league, was back in 2002, when they beat us in both games. It finished 1-2 at the City Ground and 2-0 away.
Match Prediction:
I’m going for another 1-1.
Next Fixtures:
Watford (a). 6/11/10. KO:3pm.
