Troy Deeney names Portsmouth as team to watch in promotion prediction
Troy Deeney has named Portsmouth as a team to watch in his predictions regarding who will earn promotion from the Championship.
Speaking live on talkSPORT [6 August], the two-time promotion winner said he “likes the look” of John Mousinho’s side, who have been recruiting during the ongoing window to bring in more Championship experience.
Deeney also notably told host Jim White he “objectively” sees his former club Watford struggling this season, and lauds their local rivals Luton Town.
“I do like the look of Portsmouth,” the striker said.
“I like the look of Luton. There’s a lot of other teams in transition. I think Watford will struggle when looking at it objectively.”
Pundits back Portsmouth for good season
Deeney’s comment on Portsmouth echoes what fellow EFL expert Don Goodman said when assessing the Blues for the season ahead [14 May].
Goodman explained that a necessary clear-out of the squad following promotion was required, and that the early signs of a recruitment policy for players with experience of the new level gives Pompey a fighting chance of a top-half finish.
The pundit continued to back his prediction last month when he declared that Mousinho’s men would finish above fellow new boys Derby County and Oxford United this term [12 July].
Opta’s supercomputer also ranks Portsmouth above their former League One rivals Derby and Oxford, with the Blues projected to slot in at 17th – a position most supporters would take as the club reestablishes itself in the second tier.
June saw former Pompey hero David Norris predict that the club can even be a dark horse as surprise promotion contenders, citing what his other ex-side Ipswich Town achieved last season.
Of the eight signings currently brought into Fratton Park during the transfer window, six have previously played at least a full season in the Championship.
In other Portsmouth news, a statistical look at just how vital Josh Murphy is this season.
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