Portsmouth vs Northampton Preview

Last updated : 18 August 2014 By Jim Bonner

Andy Awford will be looking to maintain Pompey's 100% record at Fratton Park when Northampton Town visit tomorrow night.

Team News

Adam Webster is banned following his red card on Saturday so Alex Wynter could take his place if he's available. If not, Joe Devera could start or Ben Chorley could be recalled to the squad if Awford wants to change the system.

Midfielders Darren Carter and Chris Hackett are doubts for Northampton but Daniel Alfei is set to play against the club he was loaned to last season.

The Match

One of the key factors of a promotion winning team is to win the home games and should Pompey be able to turn Fratton Park into a fortress like in days gone past then a good season lies ahead.

Tomorrow's match is arguably Pompey's toughest test so far with Northampton looking to mount a play-off charge this season after Chris Wilder performed a minor miracle in keeping the Cobblers in the Football League when they looked doomed.

It'll be interesting to see how many players keep their places from Saturday after playing more than half the match a man down. Craig Westcarr will also be looking to start but it's doubtful he could get into the team ahead of Miles Storey or Ryan Taylor, unless Awford decides to rotate.

The manager is likely to stick with the same formation so Devera is likely to play at right back if Wynter isn't available. Even if he is, Northampton's tendency to play the long ball will be more suited to Devera's game although Chorley will argue that he is better than both in the air.

The Cobblers will be difficult to break down but there should be enough firepower to score against them. A win tomorrow night would really send the message that teams should come to Fratton Park and be fearful rather than inspired after so many teams won at Portsmouth last season.

If feels a little strange to be so optimistic early in the season but another win will represent Pompey's best start for years and give the fans real hope that Richard Money's prediction of Awford's men winning the league will come true.

Predicted Starting Line-Ups

Pompey

GK: Paul JONES

RB: Joe DEVERA

CB: Paul ROBINSON

CB: Jack WHATMOUGH

LB: Nicky SHOREY

CM: James DUNNE

CM: Danny HOLLANDS

CM: Nigel ATANGANA

RWF: Jed WALLACE

LWF: Miles STOREY

CF: Ryan TAYLOR

Northampton

GK: Matt DUKE

RB: Daniel ALFEI

CB: Gregor ROBERTSON

CB: Zander DIAMOND

LB: Lee COLLINS

RM: Chris HACKETT

CM: John-Joe O'TOOLE

CM: Darren CARTER

LM: Kaid MOHAMED

CF: Marc RICHARDS

CF: Ivan TONEY

Last Time: Portsmouth 0 Northampton Town 0 (League Two - 29/12/2013)

Pompey's last match of last year summed up their 2013 as a dull match ended in a goalless draw between two poor teams with Northampton sitting rock bottom of the Football League. Jed Wallace hit the crossbar but Pompey were booed off at the final whistle following a poor performance.

My Prediction

This will be a tough match but there is plenty of confidence in Portsmouth right now and whilst a draw wouldn't be a terrible result, I feel Pompey will edge this one.

Portsmouth 2 Northampton Town 1