Frank Lampard in ‘unenviable’ Portsmouth claim after Fratton Park ‘nightmare’
Frank Lampard will be determined to get his revenge against Portsmouth on Wednesday after losing 4-1 at Fratton Park earlier this season.
Portsmouth hosted Coventry at Fratton Park in what was Lampard’s fifth game in charge of the Sky Blues on 21 December and handed him what remains his joint-worst defeat as their manager.
The Chelsea legend will look to set the record straight when Coventry entertain Pompey at home in the Championship on 9 April, especially with John Mousinho’s side losing each of their last three away matches.
Furthermore, it is imperative that Coventry claim all three points against Portsmouth if they want to earn their way back into the playoff spots, having dropped to seventh place in recent days.
Lampard facing ‘biggest call’ as Coventry boss v Portsmouth
However, Lampard faces his “biggest call” as the Coventry manager yet when Portsmouth visit the Sky Blues, according to Rob Gurney.
The BBC CWR journalist expressed concerns over starting Brad Collins in goal after his error in the 2-1 defeat against Burnley on Saturday, 5 April.
He also suggested that the 28-year-old shot-stopper might be haunted by his “nightmare” at Fratton Park in December if he is picked against Pompey on Wednesday.
| Team | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | Points |
| Coventry | 40 | 17 | 8 | 15 | 59 |
| Porsmouth | 40 | 12 | 9 | 19 | 45 |
Things are not as straightforward as dropping Collins for Lampard, though, as the goalkeeper’s likely replacement, Ben Wilson, is still not fully fit.
Therefore, Gurney went on to float the idea of drafting Luke Bell, who has recently been recalled from his loan at Gloucester City, into the squad or even the starting line-up.
Nevertheless, the BBC reporter believes Lampard has an “unenviable” decision ahead of him for the game against Pompey.
“I would argue the vast majority of fans also do and you can’t tell me his [Collins’] personal nightmare at Fratton Park in the 4-1 defeat just before Christmas won’t at least flicker through his mind if he was selected”, Gurney wrote in his column on the BBC website (8 April).
“Or does he bring Wilson back, risk his knee flaring up again, and have to call on Collins from the bench? Arguably a much worse scenario psychologically for all concerned.
“The third way, as it were, is to involve Luke Bell somewhere along the line, having just recalled him from his loan at Southern League side Gloucester City.
“Pick Wilson, with Bell as his back-up, or bolder still, choose the 21-year-old to make his senior debut from the start?
“That’s clearly the riskiest strategy of all, but choosing either of the other two carries potential pitfalls as well.
“It’s an unenviable decision, one I wouldn’t want to make, but it could be a season-defining moment.”
Pompey must shake off away games woes
Portsmouth’s run of three defeats in four games has seen them fall within four points of the relegation zone.
Mousinho needs to ensure Pompey pick up as many points as possible in the coming days to avoid a last-minute scramble.
The Fratton Park outfit will be aware of the threats posed by Coventry, who remain hopeful of earning promotion this season.
Portsmouth need to shake off their poor away form if they want to earn at least a point against Coventry on Wednesday.
Mousinho’s side have only won two of their all away games across all competitions this season.