Andrew Moon shares ‘Huge’ admission in Portsmouth relegation verdict
Portsmouth have a huge few months ahead as they aim to survive the relegation battle in the EFL Championship as they are still frustratingly close to the drop zone.
John Mousinho’s side are currently benefitting from a rest during the International break as they sit 17th in the Championship table, four points clear of Derby County in 22nd place.
Pompey have lost their last two matches after an outstanding win against league leaders Leeds United, with defeats coming against Plymouth Argyle and Preston North End.
With eight league games remaining this season, a key fixture has now been identified for Portsmouth as one that could prove decisive in their bid to stay up.
Portsmouth vs Blackburn earmarked as crucial in relegation battle
Portsmouth’s next match will come against Blackburn Rovers at Fratton Park and this has now been identified as a crunch match in the relegation battle.
Blackburn are ninth in the Championship and journalist Andrew Moon has now explained the importance he places on the upcoming fixture.
| Portsmouth | Points | Wins |
| Home | 32 | 9 |
| Away | 10 | 2 |
“Blackburn at home now feels like a huge match,” Moon told the BBC.
“Boss John Mousinho is right – there is still plenty of work to do to secure survival, but most of the bottom eight would gladly swap positions with Portsmouth right now.”
Portsmouth need to take advantage of strong home record
A key factor for Portsmouth this season has been their strong home form, with Pompey much stronger at Fratton Park than away from home.
An astonishing 32 of Pompey’s 42 points this season have been won at Fratton Park. Mousinho’s side have the 10th-best home record in the division, but are 22nd on the road, with just two away wins in this campaign.
With just four home games remaining, Portsmouth cannot take any chances when it comes to their away form, and simply must earn as many points as possible at Fratton Park.
Should Pompey maintain the gap over Derby before the two sides meet in April, it will allow them to set themselves up to secure survival and keep the other sides near the bottom at bay.
If Portsmouth fall to defeat against Blackburn, there will be cause for concern, as they will be heading into an away game at Millwall on the back of three defeats, with several teams breathing down their necks.