Brighton v Pompey

Pompey make the shortish trip to Brighton tomorrow, hoping for a change in fortunes in the south coast derby.

This local derby plays a secondary role to the one next month, but it used to be as fiercely contested a few years back, anyone who was at the old Goldstone ground in the 80's or 90's will know what I mean.

Brighton like the other neighbors have been riding the crest of a slump in recent times, they slipped down the leagues, lost their ground and ended up in an athletics stadium.

he last couple of years though has seen an upward turn for their fortunes, promotion last term from league 1 saw them sit proudly at the top of the championship early on, they have slipped away since then, but still just outside the play-off spots.

Manager Gus Poyet has endeared himself to the Pompey fans this week by stating we should of been relegated for entering administration, a bit spoken without thinking I feel, but he obviously has a short memory.

Brighton could well have two ex- Pompey players in their ranks, Mattock was snapped up as our embargo dragged on, while Razak was also taken on a long loan.

Gary Dicker will miss out after aggravating an old injury, while Painter will also join him in the stands.

Had an upland down start to his championship career, but the big money signing has started to knock them in once more.

Pompey will be largely unchanged for the apex visit, our ranks though have been boosted by the acquisition of Chris Maguire from Derby, he is the rough diamond that Appleton spoke of and gives another option up front.

Pompey need someone to hit the goals from somewhere, he has got a few minutes under his belt now and can hopefully threaten Brezovan in the Brighton goal.

Pompey lost the home fixture after Lawrence missed a late penalty, last season at the apex also saw us get knocked out the FA cup after Kitson saw red.

Yootha Joyce

Place you guess

Bristol city at the park

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