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Mousinho issues warning to Pompey ahead of visit to Bristol City

Pompey boss John Mousinho has warned his players Bristol City could be out for a quick dose of revenge when the sides meet for the second time inside a month at Ashton Gate.

The Robins were beaten 3-0 at Fratton on the first Saturday in December but few expect it to be as comfortable again for Pompey, who have improved of late but have lost their past two away games - including an unfortunate 2-1 loss at Watford on Boxing Day.

Mousinho told the club media: 'We have to acknowledge that we didn’t see the (Watford) game out properly, but otherwise it would have been a good point against the odds after a big decision had gone against us.

'So we need to take the positives from what was a largely encouraging performance and be ready to go again. It’s all about recovery at this time of year and you’ve got to go into the game at as maximum a capacity as possible.

'Bristol City are a really top side, as they were when we played them at Fratton Park and had just turned over Plymouth. We know all about the threats they pose and they had a good win on Boxing Day against a side who were in the Premier League last season.

'It was a good game of football at our place a few weeks ago and I thoroughly expect it to be the same again. I’m sure they will view it as a chance to put things right after that defeat and you’ll see two sides doing all they can to win the game.'

Mousinho said Matt Ritchie should be fine to feature against the Robins after being substituted shortly after the break at Watford, adding: 'He just took a whack and you could see that he was struggling early in the second half.'

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