Please log in or register. Registered visitors get fewer ads.
Jackett expects tight tussle when Pompey visit Sunderland
Thursday, 25th Apr 2019 19:46 by pompey-fans.com staff

Pompey and Sunderland have got to know each other quite well this season - and Kenny Jackett expects that to be reflected in the type of game they will play out at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

He spoke of the huge significance of a game that pits the sides in third and fourth together - with the victors, if there are any, knowing they could be in the box seat to nab second place in League One going into the final two games.

The sides met in League One at Fratton Park in December - when Pompey won 3-1 - and again in the Checkatrade Trophy final at Wembley a month ago, when it ended 2-2 but the Blues won 5-4 on penalties.

Jackett is looking forward to taking his promotion hunters to the Stadium of Light on Saturday and told the Pompey website: 'The next game is always the most important one and with the run we’re on, they are becoming bigger. But this one obviously takes on huge significance because of the position both sides find themselves in the table.

'You have to get the detail right and by this stage of the season, teams should know everything about each other. We’ve met in the league once this season and also, of course, in a cup competition, so I’m expecting a tight game.

'You have to work very hard to beat any side and we’ll need to be at our best to get a positive result in the north-east. There are big stakes and the standard at the top of the division has been high, but our recent form has given us a chance.

'So we have to continue that if we can by trying to beat one of our direct rivals. It’s something I’m looking forward to. We have a good points total so far and the opportunity is certainly there for us — we want to maximise that. The players have given everything they’ve got whenever they’ve entered the pitch this season and I don’t expect it will be any different on Saturday.'

Omar Bogle and Jack Whatmough are the only two absentees through injury.

Advertisement

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



Please report offensive, libellous or inappropriate posts by using the links provided.


You need to login in order to post your comments

Portsmouth Polls

About Us Contact Us Terms & Conditions Privacy Cookies Advertising
© FansNetwork 2024