Plummeting Pompey host play-off pushers Ipswich Town in promotion clash

Pompey’s plunge in performances has resulted in dropping down several spots in the league, to 10th place, being a staggering 13 points off automatic promotion. This is a side that occupied first place in December and stayed top of the table over the festive period.

The recent standard of showings have been nothing short of deplorable. After suffering heavy defeats to the likes of Northampton Town and Sunderland, winning just one in their last seven games and losing to Salford City in the EFL Trophy final last weekend, the club parted had no choice but to part ways with manager Kenny Jackett.

They look to bounce back from their 1-0 defeat to Peterborough United midweek. Portsmouth’s hideous record from defending set pieces was epitomised, conceding yet again from a corner. Craig MacGillivray was caught out by Harrison Burrows’ in-swinging delivery as the Posh midfielder went for goal from the corner kick. The goalkeeper flung across his goal to stop the ball crossing the line but Rasmus Nicolaisen stood in the way. The Danish defender knew nothing about it as the ball ricocheted back off of him into the net.

Coach Joe Gallen took over as manager in the defeat but former Huddersfield and Lincoln City boss Dan Cowley is expected to be appointed as manager in time for Saturday’s clash. It is understood that Cowley will be assigned until the end of the season and that he and his brother, Nicky, took training for the first time on Thursday ahead of the match on Saturday

However, at the time of writing nothing has been confirmed regarding the agreement.

On the other hand, visitors Ipswich Town have bolstered their play-off dreams under former Portsmouth and Wigan Athletic gaffer Paul Cook.

However, the Tractor Boys travel to the south coast on the back of a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Fleetwood Town.

The Cod Army opened the scoring via Callum Connolly. James Hall launched a throw-in towards the six-yard box which was flicked on towards the back post by Connolly. Ipswich made it too easy for Fleetwood to attack the ball in, and Ipswich keeper Tomas Holy had no choice but to watch the ball skid into the bottom corner after nine minutes.

Fleetwood doubled their lead after Gerard Garner punished Town on the counter. The striker fired a low left footed strike into the bottom right corner which sealed three points for the hosts.

On the whole, Ipswich’s form has improved since the appointment of Cook. Their performances have improved despite losing 3-1 to Gillingham in the manager’s first game and their recent loss to Fleetwood. As a result, the Blues have sneakily propelled up the table and sit seventh in the division, just outside the play-offs.

Cook’s side have suffered consecutive defeats away from Portman Road but will fancy their chances against a fragile Portsmouth side who have been woeful on home soil of recent.

Team News – Injuries

Portsmouth

Portsmouth have confirmed that striker Ellis Harrison will be ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury while strike partner John Marquis is in doubt with an ankle injury. Both striker’s injuries really epitomises Portsmouth’s luck at the moment.

Midfielder come right-back Callum Johnson is still recovering from a calf issue and Alex Bass remains sidelined with a foot injury.

Ipswich Town

Flynn Downes has picked up a serious hamstring injury in Ipswich’s 1-0 win against Plymouth Town. He’s set to be sidelined for the best part of six weeks.

The hosts have failed to prevent their opposition from scoring in five of their last six matches, conceding 10 goals in total.

Ipswich have picked up just four points in their four league matches under Paul Cook despite maintaining a promising 7th place in the table.

The Tractor Boys have lost just one of their previous 15 visits to Fratton Park in the Football League, winning seven and drawing seven. That one defeat came in the reverse fixture in December in a 1-0 loss under ex-boss Paul Lambert.

Portsmouth beat Ipswich in their previous two encounters in League One. The home side have never beaten the Tractor Boys three times in row in the EFL.

Ben Haywood will be providing live coverage at Fratton Park as Pompey host the Tractor Boys in a must win fixture for both sides.

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