Portsmouth - Leeds ... Preview

Well a relatively quick turnaround then as we face Portsmouth again for the second time in about a month. We took control in an attacking sense at Elland Road and took a commanding early lead as we went two goals up inside ten minutes with a Gradel tap in and a Howson curler. It looked easy. Even when Nugent pulled one back with a corker, we looked in control and Johnson hit home on the volley after 62 minutes to restore that cushion.

A minute later, however, an O'Brien own goal, that wasn't actually an own goal in my book - his block deflected the Schmeichel bound/goal bound shot beyond our keeper. Very unlucky. Kanu's introduction and clever play with the ball at his feet sparked off the problems for us when he came on just on the hour. The ball was glued to his feet - even surrounded by multiple men in the box he managed to find a way out and play someone in or square the ball back for a shot. We need to be wary of his threat - he is a very intelligent player at any level, and actually, showed at Elland Road he could still compete physically, with a burst pace in those striding legs and he certainly can with his strength. Their 3rd came with a Schmeichel/O'Brien mix-up through lack of communication really, in the 93rd. Two points thrown away, albeit a little unluckily.

What's pleasing for us is that skipper Aaron Mokoena, who impressed at Elland Road, is missing through suspension, most of all though John Utaka is a doubt. His pace worried us and he is a player probably playing below his level just now. If he does play, he is the man we need to snuff out. He's quick on the break, and intelligent in his play - as well as having the ability and quality to finish. Also, Kitson misses out, somewhat hindering aerial threat, despite the inclusion of Kanu.

They do however have Liam Lawrence in their lineup, after buying him at the start of the transfer window, he was unavailable at Elland Road after his emergency loan deal had run its course. He is a key player for the, scoring a few and a good footballer. They've also signed Scum's Ritchie De Laet on loan. Normally a defender, they seem to reckon he'll lineup in midfield.

For us, we're without Andy O'Brien unfortunately, the man that's coincided with our upturn in fortunes over the past fifteen or so games, and personally, I'd like to see Bromby given a chance instead of Collins - who is yet to impress, alongside the continually impressive Bruce. I feel Bromby will be better equipped to deal with Nugent's pace and willingness to run at our back line.

Becchio is also a doubt but I'd wager he'd return, if not, it'll probably see Paynter be given a go again up front. If this is the case I'd like us to go 4-4-2 and put Somma up along side him to make sure Paynter isn't isolated, with probably Sanchez Watt dropping to the bench.

We're catching them at a pretty good time, they've lost their last four, and not won in six matches. Also of note is that we're the joint top scorer's currently in the division and Pompey have managed only three clean sheets all season.

Predicted Line-Up from Portsmouth-Mad

GK: Jamie Ashdown

RB: Greg Halford
CB: Ricardo Rocha
CB: Ibrahima Sonko
LB: Carl Dickinson

RM: Liam Lawrence
CM: Hayden Mullins
CM: Joel Ward
LM: Ritchie De Laet

AM: Kanu

CF: David Nugent

Prediction

Pompey 1-2 Leeds

Team News

Pompey

Mokoena and Kitson out (suspended)

Utaka, Rocha both doubts

Leeds

Becchio a doubt (back spasms), but I believe he will feature after a midweek rest

O'Brien out Collins/Bromby in

McCartney will return at LB