Dan Bardell: Portsmouth fans will understand ‘difficult season’ at Fratton Park
Portsmouth fans will understand the process that is ongoing at Fratton Park that could result in a “difficult season”, according to Dan Bardell.
Pompey’s brutal start to the campaign in the Championship has seen them face five potential promotion candidates with a further two coming up, including Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday.
The Blues are yet to win but have put in some positive showings so far, unbeaten on the road.
Sky Sports journalist Bardell, speaking exclusively to Pompey News, said: “They’ve not won a game yet, but Portsmouth will rise and they’ve had a build-up of tough fixtures.
“They’re getting used to the league – supporters are a good bunch and will understand and support the club through what could be a difficult season.
“It’s just a case of time with Pompey, and the wins will come.”
Portsmouth aim to cause a shock at Burnley
As we said some weeks ago – there could be a few comprehensive defeats this season for Portsmouth; there will also be a few memorable wins along the way.
John Mousinho’s side were a matter of moments away from beating Leeds United and Middlesbrough away from home in games of which they spent the majority with their backs to the wall.
Sunderland and West Brom are the league’s top two, even at this early stage, for a reason and have flown from the blocks, each claiming wins at Fratton Park – whilst Pompey were unlucky not to find a way past 10-man Luton Town on home soil.
That’s the state of play at the moment – it could have gone a lot worse despite the lowly league position of 23rd right now – and there is no reason why the Blues cannot go and spring a surprise against an unpredictable Burnley side, very capable in attack but still to find consistency under Scott Parker.
Those calling the opening to the campaign unacceptable are very much in the minority, and have no need to panic just yet. The clashes with Pompey’s expected direct league rivals this season are all yet to arrive.
In other Portsmouth news, Ian Darke analyses Mousinho’s performance.
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