Ian Darke shares new Portsmouth worry ahead of final run-in – Exclusive
Portsmouth have two away games coming up in the Championship as the final run-in approaches.
The Blues head to South London to take on Millwall on Saturday (5 April), before four days later visiting Coventry City.
There are four away fixtures among Pompey’s next six, which could be a concern for John Mousinho given his side have excelled at Fratton Park while struggling badly on the road.
Darke worries about Portsmouth issue
Portsmouth must overcome a “psychological block” from which they suffer on their travels, TV commentator and football analysis expert Ian Darke has claimed.
Speaking exclusively to Pompey News, Blues fan Darke is still amazed at the stark contrast between Pompey at home and on the road this season – which alongside the almost insurmountable number of injuries, has been the story of the Championship return.
Fortunately for Mousinho’s side, they look to have done enough and still have to host Derby County and Hull City below them, as well as Watford.
Further away trips to Norwich City and Sheffield Wednesday complete the schedule before the May finale.
Darke also touched on the hope that the Blues could face opponents when they have little to play for this season, potentially offering an advantage.
“If we nick one away win from somewhere or even a couple of draws in our next two, that should be good enough,” he said.
“After we beat Blackburn, two draws might do. Hopefully later on in the season, Pompey are facing sides who don’t have a lot to play for and don’t have that same edge.
“Clubs play the season out to a finish now, however, more than they used to. The worry is the psychological block away from home, in comparison to the boost they get at Fratton Park. Long-term, they have to do something about this away form.”
Millwall won at Fratton as Pompey look for ironic revenge
Ironically, Millwall were one of few recent opponents to win at Portsmouth, when they faced off in a rearranged reverse fixture back in late January.
The 1-0 success for Alex Neil’s side – a repeat of their August win in PO4 in the Carabao Cup – provided a rare blow to Pompey at Fratton Park, but a showdown at The Den is one the Blues hope will be a different story.
| Portsmouth wins – Championship 2024-25 | |
| Home | 10 |
| Away | 2 |
The Blues have been on the end of some hidings, and equally been unlucky to fall foul of one-goal margins against top sides against whom they have given a good account of themselves.
That psychological block may well begin to fade if Pompey spring a surprise in the capital this weekend.