Hoping for an Appy 'oneymoon

It's normally a given that a new manager wins his first game in charge, no-one knows why, maybe a team trying to impress, maybe downright luck, its not always nailed on either, I seem to remeber a Mr.Redknapp having to wait for a maiden win!

Pompey have of course left a long caretaker period, Gray and Whittingham did admirably holding the reigns while CSI pursued their man, that man is of course Michael Appleton, he has had a week to get to know his team now, the one that walks out though will not be majorly overhauled though, he has the sense to listen to his coaching staff as he feel his way in.

Watford may have captain John Eustace back after a 3 game abscence, he had a back injury but a prolonged reat has got him back in contention.

One man Pompey won't have to worry about this season is Martin Taylor who is a real ariel threat from dead balls, he has a spell in rehab after breaking his collar bone.

2 familiar faces will be waiting for Pompey on the pitch, Carl Dickinson who had a topsy-turvy loan season last term with us, and Jonathan Hogg who also had a few months from Villa.

He was on fire last term, this season has been a little slower but he has still notched 5 to be topscorer, an England U21 cap has also shown his promise.

Pompey a very likely to be unchanged for the trip to Hertfordshire, Liam Lawrence is still not quite fit, while the only really obvious change maybe for Ward to come in in place of Huseklepp who can be used as an impact sub.

Looks our main threat up front these days.

Pompey haven't won at Watford since '96, that day two of our coaching staff in Awford and Mcloughlin got the goals to get the points.

Paul Whitehouse

Plonk a guessed effort here.

Leicester at Fratton.