Last time Pompey went to Crawley they found a home team playing like an away team. They are unlikely to find the same this time.

Crawley are in flying form on their own turf and if they've peeped at Pompey's up=and-down away form, they may well fancy their chances of getting the better of Paul Cook's men.

The Blues, for their part, will be looking for win number three from four this side of the turn of the year in order to continue to put pressure on the three sides above them.

Captain Michael Doyle is only too aware what a vital game it is. He told the club website: 'We went to the side who were top of the league and the aggressors. We took the game to them and got caught on the counter, which was frustrating.

'Those are the things that you try to learn from, but we haven’t had too much disappointment lately and have got ourselves into a great position. If we win on Saturday and results go our way then we could possibly be in the top three — but the important thing for us is just trying to win our own game and not worry about anyone else.

'It’s a good chance for us to get back to winning ways away from home, although it’s going to be tough. We turned up at Crawley last season and they got everyone behind the ball, but I think it will be a different game on Saturday.

'They seem to try to play a bit when they’re at home, so we expect them to come out and have a go, which should make for a better match. We’ve done our homework on them and know how effective they are on their own patch, but we’re ready for the challenge.

'We’re winning more games than we’re losing at the moment and so we just want to keep that run going.'

Crawley boss Dermot Drummy told The News: 'I’ve got a lot of respect for Paul Cook. His teams play attacking football. I think it makes for a fantastic game here on Saturday.

'They have a massive support with a great history and a great following.'

Follow @Pompey_Fans

Click here to sign up for an account and reserve your username! You can then post on the Forum and add your comments to articles

Photo: Action Images

Leeds United Polls