Regan Poole to ‘silence Jerry Yates’ after comments ahead of Portsmouth v Derby
Portsmouth carry on their fight against relegation with a visit from Derby County on Saturday.
Portsmouth sit just three points clear of the relegation zone and will be hoping to rectify their form after two consecutive defeats.
It’s set to be a massive game against the Rams who are 21st in the table, only out of the drop zone on goal difference.
Jerry Yates prepared for Portsmouth trip
Portsmouth have shown they have the ability to pull out some massive results this season but consistency has been lacking throughout the campaign.
John Mousinho’s men are geared up in their fight against the drop but with it incredibly tight among a number of sides at the bottom, no one can be getting too comfortable.
After returning from the international break with a victory against Blackburn Rovers, Pompey have gone on to lose against Millwall and Coventry.
In Mousinho’s defence, his side haven’t had the easiest games of late but this is a perfect time to get back on track and pick up points that could be crucial at the end of the season.
| Team | Position | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goal Difference | Points |
| Portsmouth | 17 | 41 | 12 | 9 | 20 | -16 | 45 |
| Derby | 21 | 41 | 11 | 9 | 21 | -10 | 42 |
Derby come into the game on the back of a solid 0-0 draw with Burnley and before that, they had won four of their five previous games, showing they too are not going down easily.
Jerry Yates has confidently backed his side to do the job against Pompey now too as he told Derbyshire Live: “I’m certainly excited for it. I’m sure everyone else in that dressing room will be as well. So, we just can’t wait to get the games going.
“It’s going to be rocking. Both sets of fans are going to be there, it’s going to be packed out. So, it’s a huge game for us and we’ve got to go there and stamp our authority on the game.
“We know it’s going to be a tough game against a challenging team who are in a similar predicament to us. They’re not safe yet.
“So, we need to go there and show similar characteristics to what we have shown in the past few games. And pressure makes diamonds. So, I’m sure we’ll be fine.”
Regan Poole can silence Yates
Derby do come into this game in fairly good form, including a big point against Scott Parker’s side.
Yates was on the scoresheet in his side’s recent victory against Preston, netting his eighth of the season so you can understand why he is excited by what will be a big occasion.
However, his comments come across incredibly confident which means it’s Regan Poole’s job to quieten him down at Fratton Park.
The centre-back has made 22 league appearances for the South Coast club and amid plenty of changes at the back, is currently enjoying a solid partnership with Connor Ogilvie.
Mousinho has been complimentary about the two together although having conceded three in their last two games shows there is still work to be done.
Poole will be keen to repay his manager’s faith in front of goal and going up against Yates gives him the perfect chance to do so.
The Rams may be ready to fight against a drop to League One but Pompey will prove to be just as eager and with the game on home turf, supporters at Fratton Park can certainly make themselves heard.