It may be a bit to early to be talking about who's in the promotion - but, well, to hell with it, let's do it anyway ... because Pompey could be in the top three if results go their way this weekend.

That's quite a feat after the Blues took two points from their first three league games. Things have turned around quickly thanks to back-to-back wins and clean sheets against Colchester and Exeter.

If Paul Cook's team can make it three in a row - something they didn't do in League Two until April last season - they will able to look back on the first half-dozen games with not a little satisfaction.

Standing in their way, though, are Crawley, who have had an equally-reasonable start to 2016-17 - which is probably more commendable than it is for Pompey, given that plenty were tipping the Reds for relegation at the outset.

For Pompey, Michael Smith has put himself in contention for a recall up front with his midweek hat-trick at Yeovil and team-mate Gareth Evans wants fans to get behind him.

Evans told The News: ‘I think a lot of players have to go through the stage he’s going through. It makes him stronger and thicker skinned. You can’t take people’s opinions into consideration, really.

‘You have to focus on your own game and come out of it the other end. ‘When I was at Bradford I had it. I used to get quite a bit of stick. ‘It’s just one of those things, really. It made me a better player and I’m sure it’ll make Smudge a better player.'

Matt Clarke says he is ready for a return to defence but Leam Richardson has indicated he may have to wait before being pitched back into league action. Tom Davies is likely to keep his place alongside Christian Burgess.

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