Argyle (DRAKE) Vs Portsmouth (Nelson) & Prediction

The latest chapter of the Portsmouth and Plymouth rivalry will unravel at Home Park tomorrow with an important three points up for grabs.

The Match

The reverse fixture at Fratton Park earlier this season saw Pompey win an awful game of football to dump woeful Plymouth to the bottom of the table. The more ambitious fans were already looking forward to relegating Argyle after winning tomorrow's match but nobody could have expected Plymouth to go on such a superb run since that loss.

Just two defeats in twenty games, including eleven wins from twelve at Home Park have seen Plymouth leap Pompey in the table and they also have a game in hand on the Blues ahead of what will be an intriguing encounter at Home Park.

Last weekend's draw at Rochdale proved that Pompey have plenty of character but the defending which has been rock solid in recent weeks was nowhere to be seen at Spotland and should Kenny Jackett's men reproduce that kind of performance then they'll surely lose tomorrow as the likes of Graham Carey will have a field day.

However, they do have March's PFA player of the month in their ranks in Brett Pitman who has bagged an impressive seven goals in five games and he has forged a strong partership with Jamal Lowe who could give Plymouth's brittle left side a torrid time with his pace. It's about time we saw a bit more from the other wing so it's up to Kal Naismith to up his game tomorrow.

Stuart O'Keefe should slot in as a replacement for Walkes but otherwise expect the same team which has taken thirteen points from the last fifteen available. A win would be great and a draw wouldn't be the worst result tomorrow but it's hardly ideal, either due to Charlton playing Scunthorpe. Losing would probably mean Pompey would have to win all of their remaining games to be in with a chance of the play-offs.

It should be an entertaining game as Plymouth play some open football and Pompey have been excellent on the counter-attack since they began this winning run. The travelling fans will certainly have fun reminding Plymouth who won League Two last season but let's hope they'll have even more to gloat about when the final whistle goes tomorrow.

Portsmouth view on the game

Pompey travel to Plymouth this weekend for a clash between two sides that are battling for a play-off place.

It is the hosts who currently hold the upper hand, sitting two places – and one point – above the Blues in fifth, with a game in hand.

A win for either team on Saturday would undoubtedly provide a boost as the finish line draws ever closer.

But with two points separating the five sides hunting for just two spots, nothing will be decided for certain at Home Park.

Whatever the outcome, it has certainly been an incredible turnaround for Argyle, who were pipped to the League Two title by Pompey on the final day of last term.

A 1-0 victory for Kenny Jackett’s troops back in November – courtesy of Kal Naismith’s strike – sent the Pilgrims to the foot of the table.

They have lost just two of the following 20 league fixtures, however, to boost their chances of playing Championship football for the first time since 2010.

It finished all square when the sides last clashed at Home Park in October 2016, with Kyle Bennett and Danny Rose on target in a 2-2 draw

Kenny Jackett

A simple race for the play-offs would be exciting enough in the final few weeks of the season.

But the fact that Pompey still have to face three of their top six rivals should make the run-in even more exhilarating.

Clashes with Charlton and Peterborough lie in wait, but first up is Saturday’s trip to Home Park to face Plymouth.

The Pilgrims are one point – and two places – higher in the table and Kenny Jackett is thrilled that there is so much to play for.

The Blues boss said: “We’re delighted that our season is still open and we’re one of the sides in there fighting for the top six.

“You look at other results and Wimbledon beating Charlton on Tuesday aided us, but ultimately we have to help ourselves.

"We’re delighted that our season is still open and we’re one of the sides in there fighting for the top six."

Kenny Jackett “There have been some really big games for us recently that we’ve needed to win in order to keep pace and we’ve managed to give ourselves a chance.

“The players have responded very well and so have the fans – they’ve got behind the team and helped us pick up results.

“That’s put us in the position where we find ourselves now and it’s another crunch weekend for us to look forward to – long may that continue.

“We’re on 62 points right now and have to stay positive, working hard to earn everything that we can get.”

Pompey’s victory over Arglye at the end of November sent the visitors to the foot of the League One table.

But they have lost just twice in 20 matches since then to enjoy an incredible surge back up the standings.

Jackett said: “Plymouth had their injury problems earlier in the season – especially in goal – but they’ve come through that and have got a settled side.

“It’s been a superb run for them that they’ll be looking to continue and it’s a great game to be involved in.

“We weren’t at our best last Saturday and will need to be better than that, but I’ve been pleased with the players in training and there seemed to be a lot of energy.”

Anton Walkes limped off injured at Rochdale, but Jackett is pleased to have plenty of options at his disposal.

He said: “We’ve had a stronger bench recently, with everyone but Danny Rose fit and available. It’s provided more competition.

“It’s disappointing to have lost Anton because he’d been performing well, but we’ve got enough competition in the squad.”

Plymouth Argyle view

The last time the two teams met, in November at Fratton Park, the Pilgrims went down to a 1-0 defeat that left Portsmouth seventh in the Sky Bet League One table and Argyle bottom after 20 matches.

Since then, the Pilgrims have picked up an incredible 46 points from their next 20 matches, which has seen them move into the League One play-off places. Pompey have earned a respectable 33 points from their subsequent 21 games.

Pompey have won only once at Home Park in their last six attempts, which came at the start of the 2015-16 season.

The Pilgrims have picked up 11 wins out of their last 12 home league games; Pompey have picked up 26 points from their 20 away games this season, winning eight, drawing two and losing ten, conceding 31 goals in the process.

Pompey boast League One’s second-top scorer in the division – Brett Pitman, who has scored 21 of their 54 goals this season. He has consistently scored throughout the campaign earning him Sky Bet League One’s player of the month for September. Argyle’s Graham Carey won the award the following month having scored or assisted all five of Argyle’s goals.

Paul Wotton

Coach Paul Wotton is convinced Plymouth Argyle’s players lifted will be lifted by the sight of a sea of green and white at Home Park for the game against Portsmouth on Saturday.

There will be a full house for the much-anticipated clash between two of the teams chasing a League One play-off place.
With the end of the regular season only three weeks away, the outcome of the match could be very significant to the prospects of both clubs.

Wotton said: “It’s our next game so it’s the biggest game of the season.

“Portsmouth always travel really well with their support and tickets have been like gold dust for our fans.
“It’s a game we are looking forward to and I’m sure Portsmouth are.”

“There has always been that bit of rivalry with Portsmouth, even when I watched Argyle.

Saturday at Home Park

With more than 14,000 crammed into Home Park on Saturday, the latest naval engagement is set to be another cracker at the Theatre of Greens

The game is SOLD OUT. There are no more tickets available to purchase. Please do not come to Home Park if you do not have a ticket.

THE match kicks off at 3pm. However, it would help you, and us, if you could please arrive early and ease the anticipated pressure on the Home Park turnstiles.

Turnstiles at the top end of Home Park, in the art deco façade, are NOT open. The Mayflower grandstand is accessible through turnstiles to the left of the façade as you face it.

Turnstiles at Devonport end, Lyndhurst and Barn Park end all open at 1.30pm.

Supporters will be searched on entry to Home Park. This will include the use of search wands.

THE Family Zone for All is NOT open for the game.

THE Disabled Stand is closed. If you need to make alternative arrangements, please contact the club.

Please make sure you sit in the seat that corresponds to the number on your ticket. Tickets will be rigorously checked to ensure this.Anyone found in a seat or an area where they should not be will be ejected from the ground.

THE Superstore at Home Park will also be open from 9am on match-day

PLEASE note, it is a criminal offence to enter a sports ground whilst drunk and to bring alcohol into the ground. Anyone trying to enter Home Park whilst drunk will be refused entry and anyone found attempting to bring alcohol into the ground will be handed to the police. There is a three-year football banning order linked to these offences.

IT is also a criminal offence to enter the field of play.Pitch incursions pose a threat to the safety of players, officials and spectators and will result in the Pilgrims being disciplined by the Football Association. Such incidents have resulted in clubs being charged and subsequently fined up to £200,000 by Regulatory Commissions.

THE following articles must not be brought into the ground: knives, fireworks, smoke canisters, air-horns, flares, weapons, dangerous or hazardous items, laser devices, bottles, glass vessels, cans, poles and any article that might be used as a weapon and/or compromise public safety. Anyone found to be in possession of any of these articles inside the ground could face a criminal prosecution and will receive an immediate and indefinite banning order from Home Park.

It is another scarf game with a secert display

Enjoy the game prediction Argyle 2 Portsmouth 1

Working together teams from @DCP_Football @PompeyfcCop

PoliceDrone, Devondogs, PoliceHorses @BTPFootball for @Only1Argyle v @officialpompey

Tomorrow expect an increased police presence in the city as we look to deliver a safe & enjoyable day for all

Big home crowd = big disappointment

Argo 0-4 Pompey

just avoid defeat today is main objective

No reason not to feel confident is there?
Thought I might take my Argo flag along today, Viva Aviva!
COYG

And netting at front of blocks 15 to 19. Why ffs

harvetheslayer wrote:

just avoid defeat today is main objective

Disagree. 11 wins in 12 at home, on a great run and the carrot of moving 4 points ahead of Pompey with a game in hand says we should be going all out for the win. Attack, attack....attack, attack, attack!

Having said that, my head is telling me 'score draw'.

3-1 Argo then.

Bugger it Taylor's out

Must be injured as not on the bench, down
to bare bones

cant see Plymouth loosing

Taylor is a big miss. Will be surprised if Argyle win without him.

Sounds like we're being overrun by Pompey.  Without Taylor we're clearly second best. Can't win this so just not losing should be the aim after the break.

Glad to take the point at the end. Sounded a bit toothless get well soon Taylor.

That's a bad result in my opinion.
It just goes to show how paper thin the whole revival is and the two or three souls it all depends on. Hopeless without Taylor early on in the season, a big hiccup when Bradley was out, and now again, without Taylor's particular ability to shield the ball and clever lay offs, Argyle just can't boss it. Good promotion teams shouldn't be relying on such thin squads. It's all been said.

Both defences dominated, neither keeper was extended too much, Taylor would have made a difference but still don’t think we would have won even if he had played as Pompey defended very well

i'm happy with the point. As soon as i heard both Taylor and Matthews were out for different reasons i wasnt confident we would win cause we have no strikers. Church has been a complete waste of time signing.

Scrappy game we had our moments as did pompey but i think on reflection had we had Taylor playing we might have nicked this.

5 more games to go 4 trips away its in our hands. I just hope Taylor isnt out long term like Sarveic.

Very true Ears, terrible game really, neither keeper tested in a fairly even borefest. We probs had the edge on possession but they almost nicked it late on with a goal line clearance and a header off the bar.

Not one of the better games this season, bit of an anti climax in all truth. Argyle struggled to create chances throughout and Pompey were only marginally more dangerous, although they will argue that a couple of chances near the end should have brought more than a very last ditch clearance and a strike against the bar. Couldn't criticise the effort or commitment, slightly surprised that DA didn't make another change or two earlier on but as has been said, there aren't that many realistic options open to him. Taylor was definitely missed, Grant tried manfully but too much to ask a free transfer wide man to replicate his contribution. Other results not too bad, not a disastrous day all in all.

Tgwu wrote:

PLEASE note, it is a criminal offence to enter a sports ground whilst drunk and to bring alcohol into the ground. Anyone trying to enter Home Park whilst drunk will be refused entry and anyone found attempting to bring alcohol into the ground will be handed to the police. There is a three-year football banning order linked to these offences.

How many people were stopped entering the ground then?
How many fans festers?

Could have bought on Jervis and Toums, but the Bankers cashed in and left the miracle worker with no squad. The Brentmare goes on.

Angry wrote:

i'm happy with the point. As soon as i heard both Taylor and Matthews were out for different reasons i wasnt confident we would win cause we have no strikers. Church has been a complete waste of time signing.

Scrappy game we had our moments as did pompey but i think on reflection had we had Taylor playing we might have nicked this.

5 more games to go 4 trips away its in our hands. I just hope Taylor isnt out long term like Sarveic.

It is completely in our hands - there are a number of games between the teams in 4th and 9th and a few more twists and turns. Who would have thought that Rochdale would have won at Peterborough with ten men. Onwards we go.

sufferedsince 68 wrote:

Could have bought on Jervis and Toums, but the Bankers cashed in and left the miracle worker with no squad. The Brentmare goes on.

How did we cash in on Toums?

Disappointing game and result, but to be honest a fair one, cant help feeling that if Taylor had played we might have just got a win.
Threlkeld definitely MOM, scrappy, cagey game throughout.
Letheren although not really tested today displayed some atrocious kicking as did the Pompey goalie. Yes as mentioned the bench looks painfully thin - no more to be said.
BRENT OUT

tigertony wrote:

sufferedsince 68 wrote:

Could have bought on Jervis and Toums, but the Bankers cashed in and left the miracle worker with no squad. The Brentmare goes on.

How did we cash in on Toums?

Brent (not we FFS!) cashed in by not offering the going rate and therefore saving money by Toums opting for the more ambitious Fleetwood

BRENT OUT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Freathy wrote:

tigertony wrote:

sufferedsince 68 wrote:

Could have bought on Jervis and Toums, but the Bankers cashed in and left the miracle worker with no squad. The Brentmare goes on.

How did we cash in on Toums?

Brent (not we FFS!) cashed in by not offering the going rate and therefore saving money by Toums opting for the more ambitious Fleetwood

BRENT OUT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh what pollocks!!! He went for family reasons. Fleetwood have a chairman who can 'give' the club money (give = only way to by-pass FFP but then any stick will do!) When Toums left many said the season was over but the Argyle form has got better so the Toums discussion is dead in the water. Move on and search for another stick. It's bleedy boring reading the same carp from the same people.