Ian Darke notes Portsmouth ‘fear’ after trend he’s seen in the Championship
Portsmouth are demonstrating a trend that strikes “fear” into the side heading into certain games, according to Ian Darke.
The TV commentator and Blues fan, speaking exclusively to Pompey News, has said John Mousinho’s team are struggling to consistently deal with the rigorous schedule of the Championship.
Pompey were battered 4-0 at Derby County last Friday [13 December] in a horror show preceded by two encouraging results and successive clean sheets against Bristol City [7 December] and Norwich City [10 December].
“I think there was a fear about the Derby fixture anyway with it being the third game within six days, and there’s a little bit of a trend developing here,” Darke explained.
“The style and intensity against Bristol City and Norwich left them a little flat at Derby, who themselves had way too much for Pompey who were absolutely dire.
“But I do expect them to bounce back against Coventry [21 December] with a full week on the training ground.”
Portsmouth aiming to shape up for Christmas period
The visit of Frank Lampard and his Coventry side to Fratton Park this weekend starts a demanding run of 12 games before 1 February, meaning every angle of the Portsmouth squad could be utilised.
The transfer window is also seen as vital both inside and outside of the club, with reinforcements needed to ensure survival at the first time of asking.
In among the hefty run of fixtures come two rearranged league clashes in January against Blackburn Rovers and Millwall, as well as an FA Cup third-round trip to League One leaders Wycombe Wanderers.
In other Portsmouth news, Tayo Singerr stars for the Academy as the starlets make their case to Mousinho.
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