A mixed start for Portsmouth as they adjust to Life in League 2, with a young and inexperienced manager Guy Whittingham, although they do have plenty of experience in the team with players like David Connolly 36, who has won 41 caps for the Republic of Ireland and Patrick Agyemang 32. They will have a big crowd behind them which will be a big advantage for Pompey. Although the Spireites played in front of a big crowd at Elland Road in the League Cup and coped really with the atmosphere. The Spireites will be full of confidence after beating Southend last weekend and having won 3 and drawn one of their first 4 games.
Vital Quotes:
Paul Cook talking to the official website said: “Portsmouth are a good side, they’ve got threats all over the pitch, they’ll be backed by ferocious support but we’ve got good players and we’re looking forward to the game.”
Portsmouth Team News:
Portsmouth Left-back Marcos Painter is doubtful. Striker Tom Craddock comes back into contention after recovering from injury.
Player to watch: David Connolly
Number 9 David Connolly will be a big danger, he has 4 goals from 4 games this season. The former Sunderland, Southampton and West Ham forward as plenty of experience to score goals at this level. He scored 9 goals for his Country Republic of Ireland from 41 appearances.
Chesterfield Team News:
Skipper Ian Evatt is still building up his fitness, although he could make the bench.
Player to watch: Gary Roberts
Gary Roberts will cause Portsmouth a lot of problems, lethal from dead ball situations as Southend found out to their cost, scoring with a free-kick and setting up the winner in injury time with a well taken corner. The left winger often pops up in the middle, his full of skill and trickery and enjoys taking players on and capable of scoring goals.
Match Facts & Stats
The Spireites last visit to Fratton Park in 1983 in League Division 3, losing 4-0. They have lost on their last 4 visits to Fratton Park.
Portsmouth have the second worse defensive record in League 2 conceding 8 goals from 4 games, only bottom club Accrington Stanley have a worse record.
Ref Watch:
Steve Bratt from the West Midlands is in charge of this game. its his first season as a league referee, he has only given out 3 yellows in the 3 matches he has been charge of so far this season.
Match Prediction:
I am going for a 2-2 draw, it’s not going to be easy for the Spireites in front of a very passionate crowd.
Next Fixtures:
Next match will be at the home when Cook welcomes his former club Accrington Stanley to the Proact Stadium.
