Pompey v Forest

Pompey return to Fratton park after a profitable couple of trips on the road, Forest await and Pompey get the chance to improve on what has been an almost perfect October.

If Pompey win tomorrow they go above Forest, quite a feat considering Forest have lost only twice so far, Pompey of course lost 5 of the first 7 games, but such our progress has been we are vering on usurping our Midland rivals. Forest have drawn 7 of their fixtures however, that is how they have remained in touching distance 13 games in.

Billy Davies and Steve Cotterill have been very vocal about each other, their pathes have crossed many times, they were first acquaninted when at Preston and Burnley, last season of course both were in Nottingham, a mutual respect and friendship is evident.

Pompey can welcome back Rocha after just one game missed through injury, if he can displace either Sonko or Mokoena however reamains to be seen, Mokoena looks a certainty to remain in the side while Sonko had his best game yet at Hull, Hull did play to his strengths though and I reckon Cotterill will go for his Portugese for his better play on the ground.
Pompey look very likely to go for their settled line up once more, it really is a case of nothing is broke, nothing needs fixing!

Had a couple of quiter ones after his barnstorming start, he has been carrying a slight knock though, after a weeks rest hopefully he will be back to being his most dynamic once more.

Ryan Bertrand has completed a one match ban, he should displace Chambers at left back.
Bob Earnshaw is in contention after a thigh injury, while Tyson and McCleary both have niggles but should play.

Steve Stone picked him out as the Forest dangerman and its easy to see why, he has 7 goals in 8 games from what is essentially an old inside forward position, he is the hub of the team at this moment in time.

Pompey have won the last 5 on the bounce against Forest, this after losing our first 5 against them!
One match that really sticks in the mind was March 2000, Pompey went behind in the 80th minute, only for Tommy Thorgesen to equalise, his air guitar celebration still vivid, then Steve Claridge got the winner in injury time.

Mickie Most

Can Cotterill seal manager of the month tomorrow? Place your bet here.

Derby on the box next Saturday

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