Pompey vs Carlisle

Pompey return to Fratton Park after ending a seemingly endless run of losses at Hartlepool in midweek. It was a draw that saw the Blues end their 9 straight losses that have seen them drop to 2nd from bottom. It's still 20 games without a win in all competitions but is today finally the day that Blues grab three points? Carlisle stand in their way in a comfy 16th place.

Sam Sodje has come out to assure the Blues that the players at the club do care about the club and they also want to end its terrible run on the pitch. The Nigerian was vowed as the man of the match in midweek against Hartlepool and with the defence now settled, the players are striving to deliver 3 points for the first time in a very long time.

The only news coming out of Fratton is that David Connolly is set to have a late fitness test ahead of this afternoon's clash. The 35-year-old has been absent from Pompey's last three matches with a hamstring injury but is possible to scrape his way back into the 18 man squad.

After speaking out about how the players do care about the club, it's time to deliver and prove to the Fratton Faithful that a win is finally coming around. Sodje was man of the match in Tuesday night's game so it will be likely he heads into today's game with confidence and that he will be the conductor in a wobbly Pompey defence.

There is no new injury news circulating United. There only troubles are naming a starting 11 as there are many players striving to make the cut as recent performances have impressed Carlisle boss Greg Abbott. After losing in midweek against Scunthorpe the squad may need freshening up and Liam Noble, Mark Beck, Peter Murphy and Mike Edwards are pushing for a start on the South Coast.

Garner has 8 goals for the Cumbrian side so far this season and the striker has many capable around him. Defender Matt Robson has a very good tally from the back with 7 goals this season so it looks as if there are many men that Pompey need to take care of.

It's a fairly equal split in supremacy between these two clubs as Pompey have emerged victorious 14 times over Carlisle's 13. Out of the 34 games played there have been 7 draws and the latest result game earlier this season when Pompey travelled up the country to lose 4-2.

Rick Buckler

2-0 the Blues. After drawing on Tuesday night the Blues will most certainly be looking to impress the Fratton fans after some let down performances recently. It may come dirty or excellently but anyway it comes, I'd like to have 3 points.

Oldham host the Blues in another relegation scrap next Saturday. Athletic sit 2 places above Pompey just inside the relegation zone so another nervy encounter will be in store in a fight to stay in the division.

Use your social login to comment on front page articles. Login using you Facebook, Twitter, Google or LinkedIn accounts and have your say!