Having reached the play-offs last season are you disappointed with the start Southend have made and have pre-season expectations changed?
It has been a disappointing start to the season, absolutely, but I think some people may be getting a little too concerned so early in the season. I have to admit I was getting worried with us throwing games away at the death but when you think we haven't been playing well and have still picked up 8 Points sitting 14th, it's strangely encouraging. Mainly because there is a long way to go and room for improvement that I am fairly confident will come eventually.
I don't think pre-season expectations have changed much just yet, playoffs should be a realistic target but we will see if that's still the case when we play Pompey again come January!
Who have your top performers been so far this season?
Not many to choose from so far this season so I would have to say Jack Payne, a youngster who has come through the youth system and proven he can thrive in this league. The only issue is his lack of fitness, he has scored three in the last two games but only played one half at the weekend through lack of fitness despite running the show in midfield quite impressively!
Daniel Bentley has been the other standout performer, continuing his excellent form from last season. If it wasn't for his heroics we would have conceded a lot more goals this season already!
Pompey had Conor Clifford on loan not so long ago but he never cut it at League One level. How has he fared in a Shrimpers shirt?
He's started this season really well actually, he isn't the kind of player who can win games on his own but he's been consistent and looked pretty solid so far this season. He made a pretty smooth assist at the weekend so hopefully he'll keep going!
What are the biggest weaknesses in your team that Pompey could exploit?
At the weekend one of our more consistent players Ben Coker (left back) was injured for around 4 months which is a big blow. He was useful for set pieces and with no clear alternative Phil Brown has gone and got a loanee in at short notice who could slot straight into the side. With a short time to train and gel with the other players I think that could be an area Pompey will be looking to exploit. Another weakness unfortunately is our worrying lack of goals this season with all available strikers out of form.
Are there any players in the Portsmouth squad that give you cause for concern?
I would have to say Jed Wallace would be the Pompey player id be watching out for given his scoring record this season so far from midfield.
What kind of match are you expecting on Saturday?
I think both teams will try and play in a similar style which could make for an exciting and fairly attractive game. I'm sure both teams will play with an attacking mentality which is always a good thing, but now I've said that it'll probably be a goalless draw!
Predict the outcome of the game.
I think a draw is the most likely outcome given both teams form in the league lately, however it will be a close game and could be pinched by either side. Also looking at previous results the 2-1 score line seems to crop up rather often! (Not much of a prediction I'm afraid, sorry!)
I'll go with a 1-1 draw.