Sol Campbell returns to Fratton Park in crunch clash as Portsmouth host Southend

Portsmouth will be looking to continue their fine home form on Tuesday evening, as struggling Southend visit Fratton Park.

The Blues have lost just two league home games in 2019, both coming last season. And that home form has been crucial so far, as without it, the club would find themselves in the League One relegation zone. A disappointing start to the campaign has seen Pompey equal last season’s impressive record of just four away league defeats, after just 14 games. 

Performances have been better recently, but a habit of conceding goals in the last 10 minutes of games, has cost them eight points this season, leaving them in 15th place. 

This is definitely something Sol Campbell’s Southend side will try and expose tonight. 

But with just one win in 16 games, it appears the man in charge might just need to work his magic again if they are to be in the same league next season. 

Pompey will most likely remain unchanged from their 1-1 draw with Oxford United on Saturday. Although it wouldn’t be surprising to see new faces in the starting 11, as Kenny Jackett looks to change his side’s fortunes – relieving pressure from his shoulders in the process.

With the pressure mounting on Jackett, the Portsmouth boss knows his side cannot afford to underestimate the visitors:

“With every opponent there’s some respect. Obviously, performances have been good for them and we know we’ll have to work really, really hard where ever a side are in the table.

“We’ll respect them, understand their strengths and weaknesses, but then after that try to impose ourselves on the game as we do with every opponent and set our own standards, and try if we can to raise them.”

After taking over only a few weeks back, Campbell will continue his search to discover his best 11, but a narrow 1-0 loss to Sunderland at the weekend will give him food for thought, as his side will need to keep it tight tonight if they have any chance of coming away with a result.

But Campbell is excited about the chance to return to his former club:

“Portsmouth is a fantastic club with great fans and I’m looking forward to going back. I have some good memories there but it would be great to get the win there.

“Any win would be great for us right now but we have to earn it. We have to back each other up and not give them leg ups for no reason.

‘We have to make them work for everything because that’s what it’s all about at Fratton Park.”

On what’s forecast to be a cold night at Fratton Park, a warm reception is anticipated for the Shrimpers boss Sol Campbell who captained Portsmouth in their famous FA Cup victory in 2008, along with his assistant Hermann Hreidarsson, who also remains a Pompey legend to this day. 

However, no doubt it will be business as usual for the home side who desperately need a win to spark a promotion challenge their fans are crying out for. 

Head-to-head:

Portsmouth wins: 18

Draws: 9

Southend wins: 11