Pompey vs Bury

Managerless Pompey travel to Bury in an awful run of form that's seen them lose their last 4 games. After Appy quit mid-week to join Blackpool, Pompey Legend Guy Whittingham takes temporary charge over the Blues and is already eyeing changes. Andy Awford also takes the role as assistant manager following Ashley Westwood's departure with Appleton. It's a possibility that the pair could pull off a Di Matteo and see them take permanent charge however, all is to be seen in the coming weeks and months.

'I'm not afraid to make changes' comes from care-taker manager Guy Whittingham as he prepares for today's fixture. The ex-Pompey forward reveals that he isn't going to be told what to do and he shall take this opportunity seriously with the possibility of a permanent future. Whittingham suspects he knows Pompey's missing spark and is planning on doing what he can to introduce a new winning style of play.

Bury have new signings Tom Soares and Ethan Ebanks-Landell in the fray to make an appearance. Efe Sodje is still out because he serving his last game of his 2 match suspension. Other than this, no new news to Bury.

Defender Joe Skarz is a surprise attacking threat bared by Bury. The predominately left-back has 2 goals and assists to his name so far and could be a key asset to Kevin Blackwell's side.

Pompey remain without Scott Allan as he serves his second game of his three match suspension. Ashley Harris and Lee Williamson made appearances on Tuesday after suffering injuries and managed to play without any struggle. Darrell Russell is still not at full fitness but will be likely to sit on the bench again. Guy Whittingham has apparently included youngsters Dan Thompson and Bradley Tarbuck so it may seem he wants a bit of youth inspiration to bulster the team's attack.

Pompey's skipper has been going through a very rocky patch of form of late but after speaking to the local paper The News, he explains that the players do care about the team's progress and that he personally is doing everything he can to pick up his performances. Howard has recently lost his fan favourite status so will be most certainly looking to regain it with a match winning performance this afternoon.

Pompey play Bury for the first time in 13 years and by coincidence the last time they met, Guy Whittingham scored the winner in a 2-1 victory. Also, Pompey have the upper hand in the stats against Bury with 7 wins from 21 games. Bury however can level the amount of wins with one today but 8 draws could be 9 depending on the result. Bury also sit second from bottom in the League however are picking up form. Pompey currently have 6 more points than the men from Gigg Lane and are 6 places higher so hopefully league standings come into play.

Paul Weller

2-3 is my hypothesis of the match. Guy Whittingham has spoken of the changes he plans to make to find the missing spark and I believe he deserves a bit of beginners luck so 2-3 is a possible result. WHITTINGHAM'S BLUE-WHITE ARMY!

7 days from now and Pompey return home to face Doncaster in a clash that is one that most will like to see unravel. Both teams were relegated form the Championship last season and it was the Blues that sealed Donny's fate in the 2nd to last fixture of the season so revenge is what Rovers will look for.

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