Well. That’ll learn us. If we ever feel compelled to be mildly concerned about our prospects for an upcoming game, we’ll do well to take a cue from this week’s wonderful victory at MK Dons. In bouncing back from the defeat at Colchester United so admirably, we also get the added bonus of reducing the gap between ourselves and Tranmere Rovers to four points. It was, as they say, a good weekend. But let’s not leave it at that, eh?
Portsmouth are up to 11th and have a nice little unbeaten league run in progress. Goals are coming in a nice steady flow and much of that is as a result of the exploits of Izale McLeod. And since Wes Thomas arrived on loan from south coast neighbours Bournemouth, Pompey have embarked on this little purple patch of form – both clubs will be seeing this as a test.
In terms of personnel, changes are not particularly required from the win at Stadium:MK – but do you restore Anthony Grant to the line-up? And at whose expense? Boro’ played the formidable trio of Morais, Akins and Freeman against the Dons, while Greg Tansey was an able partner for James Dunne in front of the back four. Not an easy call – if you were to be dropping anyone, would it be Morais?
The defence picks itself right now, with Jon Ashton and – presumably – Miguel Comminges out with injuries. Andy Iro is on the bench, but N’Gala and Robbo will be how we roll when Pompey come to down. Meanwhile, Steve Arnold has come in and ripped the Number One spot away from Chris Day with vigour. A solid performance at MK has reinforced that, and it seems unlikely Day will return soon.
We’ve already had Southampton down at the Lamex Stadium this season; hopefully a visit from their Hampshire inferiors won’t end in a similar fashion. Expect a nip and tuck game; very close, chances for both sides. A goal for McLeod and two for Boro’… Shroot and Akins if you’re asking. The first of two successive home games. Six points would be lovely. Tough, but lovely all the same. How about it?
FIFA13 Verdict:
Stevenage might wonder why they did not win this game. But then again, they might feel a little fortunate that they did not lose it. Statistics tell you that Boro’ had a good few shots at the Portsmouth goal, but Bondz N’Gala was man of the match and did well to contain what was a lively forward line for the visitors. Two points lost, or one point gained? It’s quite the difficult call to make on this one.
Portsmouth enjoyed plenty of territory in the first half and Boro’ only really woke up as the half neared its conclusion. That said, the second half was much more promising and it was just three minutes until Marcus Haber fired Boro’ ahead. Chances were then wasted, while the visiting goalkeeper was in impressive form. Finally, poor defending allowed Buzsaky in to equalise. FT: Stevenage 1-1 Portsmouth.
Bookies’ Verdict:
This is a tight one to call and the market appears to agree. If you believe Oddschecker, bets have gone more towards Portsmouth for this one, but not by much. Prices on a home win hover either side of evens; the visitors aren’t too long. Totesport is best for Boro’ at 21/20 and Pinnacle for Pompey at 37/12.
Looking at the correct score, we’d be tempted by Stan James’ 9s for a 2-0 home win, but it is a risky one with Coral offering 7s on Izale McLeod netting first for the guests. Elsewhere, Lucas Akins’ recent exploits sees him at 6s. Mark Roberts is always tempting when he’s 25s – that’ll be with SkyBet.
Last Season Meeting:
Stevenage 1-2 Portsmouth (2010/1 Carling Cup R1)
Team Tarot (4-5-1):
Arnold //
Gray / Roberts / N’Gala / Charles //
Dunne / Grant //
Akins / Tansey / Freeman //
Haber //
