The Opposition View: Fleetwood Town

Last updated : 19 September 2013 By Jim Bonner

Your team currently sit third in League Two. You must be happy with the start to the season?

I am delighted with the start we have made, it's a good feeling to be in the top three but I'm just hoping we can still be there come the end of the season.

Matty Blair was extremely close to joining Pompey in the summer before becoming a member of the Cod Army. What have you made of him so far?

He has only made four appearances (two starts) but in what I have seen he has looked a good, hard working winger, and having seen him play for York over the years he definitely has quality

Who have been Fleetwood's most impressive players this season?

Jeff Hughes: Oozes class at this level and has added much needed goals and assists from midfield.

Antoni Sarcevic: We bought this lad from Chester this summer. He's only 21 and he has made the step up to League Football look easy. Hf he carries on like he has started he'll be plying his trade in the Championship very soon.

What are the biggest weaknesses in this Fleetwood side that Pompey could exploit on Saturday? 

I would say our full backs our possibly the weak link as we seem to keep changing them but the last two games left back Dean Howell has started and played well but he definitely has an error in him. He was probably one of the least favoured players by the fans last season for some of his terrible performances.

What do you make of the Portsmouth squad? Are there any particular players that concern you?

I won't lie I don't know too much about the squad but from what I have seen on the Football League show the link up play between Connolly and Aygemang worries me, those two look quality players.

Some Pompey fans have been critical about the style of football that some League Two teams play. Do Fleetwood like to keep it on the deck or will we see some classic Route One during the game? 

I don't blame them as teams such as Northampton are disgusting to watch. Be assured Fleetwood will get the ball on the deck and pass it around - it's a system that has worked for us up the Leagues and one I hope we don't ever change.

Portsmouth is a long way to go for Fleetwood supporters so how many fans do you think you will bring to Fratton Park?

As you all probably know, we are the smallest town in England to host a Football League club and we don't travel well, I would expect around 130 including myself to make the journey.

What sort of match are you expecting on Saturday?

I am expecting quite a tight affair as we're likely to approach the game with a five man midfield. I don't see many goals being scored.

Predict the outcome of the game.

Portsmouth 0-1 Fleetwood