Yakubu makes ‘massive’ admission ahead of Portsmouth vs Southampton
Portsmouth are set for their first South Coast derby with Southampton in the league since 2012.
The two sides played in the League Cup in September 2019 when the Blues were in League One and the Saints were in the Premier League.
Portsmouth lost 4-0 to Southampton at Fratton Park, and with the two sides a lot more evenly matched going into the game on 14 September, supporters are hopeful of getting a result.
John Mousinho has added Championship experience this summer, with the likes of Florian Bianchini and John Swift, and former Blues striker Yakubu is optimistic about the fixture with Southampton.
Yakubu looks back at ‘massive’ South Coast derbies
Yakubu has been remembered as a ‘Barclaysman’ for his clinicality for the Blues.
The Nigerian had a total of 92 appearances for Portsmouth and scored 42 goals in all competitions, across two and a half seasons on the South Coast.
Yakubu then departed for Middlesbrough in 2005, but his memories of Pompey still remain.
Speaking to Gambling.com, Yakubu said: “It was really, really good playing against Southampton in a derby game. I was lucky to play in derby games both home and away.
“I remember the atmosphere when I scored the winner (at Fratton Park back in 2004), and also when we went to Southampton to play.
“They haven’t played against each other for a long time [in the league], it’s massive and I’m looking forward to seeing the games. I hope Portsmouth can win.”
Last season, Yakubu’s contributions were again remembered as Callum Lang became the first Pompey player to score four in a game since the Nigerian.
Lang bagged four against Coventry in December of last season as Mousinho’s side ran out surprise 4-1 winners.
Portsmouth still have plenty of work to do before Southampton
Pompey showed plenty of flaws in their 2-1 defeat to Norwich on 16 August.
The Blues’ defence was carved out by two set pieces from the Canaries, which proved costly.
- Portsmouth conceded the third most in the Championship last season
- Mousinho has prioritised the signings of midfielders this summer
- The Blues boss has also stressed that he doesn’t need improvements in defence
In attack, Pompey weren’t much better as Colby Bishop missed a crucial late penalty, which could have gotten them back in the game.
Ultimately, Adrian Segecic’s long-range strike was only a consolation as they never really looked like scoring.
Before they play against Southampton, Mousinho must fix their problems with defending set pieces, and they could have a new striker before they visit their neighbours.
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