Pre-Match Thread Portsmouth FC vs Southend Utd 5th November 2019 19:45 ko.

[RHB]

Tuesday will soon be upon us and with it a visit to Fratton Park for the Blue boys.

After a more encouraging performance against Sunderland lets hope that the side can go one step further and pick up at least a point. Still no Hamilton or McLaughlin as this is their third game suspended. For those not travelling down to Portsmouth the game is being streamed live on iFollow for a tenner.

Normal stuff for the pre match thread, team selection, tactics, formation and so much more. Let's hope the evening goes with a bang in Southend's favour. COYB

 

[Tombstone Blues]

I’m sticking with the same formation. Let’s get some continuity and understanding in it.

By all accounts we improved defensively with that shape as the game went on and further understanding and confidence going forward I think it’ll bear fruit.

The only change I’d make is Kiernan to come into the CM with Milligan and push Hutch on further forward with Cox up front with Hopper.

The front three didn’t do enough out of possession first half which is why Sunderland has so much joy out wide, but they definitely improved that side of it as the game went on. With Hutch further forward I think we can improve in the attacking half in possession too.

 

[tottenham541]

We now need to start picking up points from this game onwards so I’m going for a 2-2 draw

 

[Shrimpergonzo]

I’m sticking with the same formation. Let’s get some continuity and understanding in it.

By all accounts we improved defensively with that shape as the game went on and further understanding and confidence going forward I think it’ll bear fruit.

The only change I’d make is Kiernan to come into the CM with Milligan and push Hutch on further forward with Cox up front with Hopper.

The front three didn’t do enough out of possession first half which is why Sunderland has so much joy out wide, but they definitely improved that side of it as the game went on. With Hutch further forward I think we can improve in the attacking half in possession too.

I'd go for that, the alternative is to drop Milligan (has he got the legs for another game so soon?) and replace him with Kiernan and then play Cox in the hole and maybe give Rush a go alongside Hopper.

Bishop

Bwomono Shaughnessy Dieng Lennon Ralph

Kiernan Hutchinson

Cox

Rush Hopper

Subs: Oxley, Demetriou, Milligan, Hyam, Ndukwu, Goodship, Acquah​

 

[RHB]

It appears that Rob Kiernan missed yesterday's game with a migraine. It has been noticeable this season that he has trouble dealing with floaters into the box.. (yeah, I know, not politically correct. Apologies to all migraine sufferers.)

 

[MK Shrimper]

We'll go off like a damp squib. Another loss another step closer to league 2.

 

[Tangled up in Blue]

We'll go off like a damp squib. Another loss another step closer to league 2.

While it's true that we don't normally perform well at Pompey I've got a feeling that Sol's new keep it tight policy could get us a point.We'll see.

 

[geoffmundo]

Is this available on IFollow does anyone know?

 

[Shrimpergonzo]

Is this available on IFollow does anyone know?

I think all midweek league games are (except for bank holidays)

 

[norman the baker]

I think all midweek league games are (except for bank holidays)

I think all midweek league games are (except for bank holidays)

yes it is

 

[Billy Bests boot laces]

While it's true that we don't normally perform well at Pompey I've got a feeling that Sol's new keep it tight policy could get us a point.We'll see.

When the original game was postponed due to them having international call ups, we were total 'pony' at that time.
They were getting better results than recently, & I thought they might regret having not played us at the time?.
As you say 'we'll see', & hopefully that decision to call off the game, will prove to be a wrong decision by them.
,

 

[ColinMorrisWalksOnWater]

I am feeling a little more optimistic going into this game than for a long time.

I am realistic enough to think in my head that this will be another defeat, BUT I feel there is now more chance of getting something out of a game, than I have felt all season.

 

[LennySUFC]

Bishop
Bwomono Shaughnessy Dieng Kiernan Ralph
Hyam Milligan
Hutchinson
Cox Hopper
​

Think Hutchinson would be better a little further forward with freedom to run with the ball at the opposition back line. Hyam looked ok when he came on against Sunderland and, given that Milligan struggles with his mobility in a 2 man CM he needs someone to sit back with him.

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

My god, these teams people are suggesting show just how narrow our side is and how important it is that wide midfield is the top priority in January. We just don’t have the width to stretch teams, put them under pressure, relieve the pressure on ourselves. If we can make what we have work one way or another until January and pick up some points it will be a huge achievement. I think we can, but we’ll be a bit one dimensional and predictable tactically which won’t help.

 

[Ayrshire Blue]

We cant change too much, we still have suspensions, still have a couple with knocks. I'd imagine the shape will stay the same but whatever we do, bench Milligan

 

[Rayleigh boy]

My god, these teams people are suggesting show just how narrow our side is and how important it is that wide midfield is the top priority in January. We just don’t have the width to stretch teams, put them under pressure, relieve the pressure on ourselves. If we can make what we have work one way or another until January and pick up some points it will be a huge achievement. I think we can, but we’ll be a bit one dimensional and predictable tactically which won’t help.

It looks ok with Elvis pushing up and Ralph is good as well - Macca to come back will add something. Elvis was pretty much wide midfield on Saturday -

 

[Harry Bullocks]

A cloudy evening, but dry, is forecast and ideally 3 points....me and the nippers are going, Vlog forthcoming soon and...

I'm guessing, as this was a postponed fixture, away support figures will be a bit hit and miss...anything over 700 would be tremendous in my book

 

[stewart]

pretty much same team as saturday, give Milligan a rest bring in Kiernan in his position.IF wanted wide players always have nducwu and demi that can be used

 

[Chrisb]

My god, these teams people are suggesting show just how narrow our side is and how important it is that wide midfield is the top priority in January. We just don’t have the width to stretch teams, put them under pressure, relieve the pressure on ourselves. If we can make what we have work one way or another until January and pick up some points it will be a huge achievement. I think we can, but we’ll be a bit one dimensional and predictable tactically which won’t help.

Yes, we need to get to January as best we can and I am sure that Sol will try and address this, together with other areas that need strengthening, (within his budget obviously). Sol has immediately set to work on fitness, isn't afraid to give the youngsters a chance, sub our captain and so, for the first time in ages, I feel confident in the manager, and that he will bring in the right people going forward.

 

[Massimo Giovanni]

Yes, we need to get to January as best we can and I am sure that Sol will try and address this, together with other areas that need strengthening, (within his budget obviously). Sol has immediately set to work on fitness, isn't afraid to give the youngsters a chance, sub our captain and so, for the first time in ages, I feel confident in the manager, and that he will bring in the right people going forward.

Sol has yet to state who is HIS captain, it may be that that role is being appraised too.