On Air Now Express Breakfast with Ian James 6:30am - 10:00am Email

This Week's Opposition: Ipswich Town

Photo Credit: Ipswich Town FC

After a fortnight away due to the international break, Pompey are back in action this weekend. Promotion hopefuls Ipswich Town await Danny Cowley’s unbeaten Blues at Portman Road.

The 2-2 draw with Plymouth Argyle at Fratton Park on September 17th was the most recent run out for Pompey, who now sit 3rd in League One as a result of not playing last week.

Tough tests have been put in front of the Blues already this season but even tougher ones are approaching, starting with this trip to Suffolk.

MANAGER

The Tractor Boys are managed by 36-year-old Kieran McKenna.

The Northern Irishman has been in charge of Ipswich since December of last year, when a 3-and-a-half year deal was penned with the club.

McKenna moved to Ipswich to undertake his first full managerial role, having previously held youth coach and assistant managerial positions at Tottenham and Manchester United.

He has achieved a win percentage of 52.8 across his 36 competitive games in charge to date.

ONE TO WATCH

Since leaving Portsmouth in the summer, Marcus Harness has proved to be a big hit with the Ipswich faithful.

An undisclosed fee saw the attacking midfielder, now 26, make the move from PO4 to Ipswich in Suffolk, having enjoyed 3 seasons on the South Coast.

He was involved in a transfer deal this summer which also saw Joe Pigott come the other way on a loan move to Fratton Park.

Harness is the owner of the number 11 shirt at Ipswich and has so far scored 3 league goals this campaign.

TOP SCORER

Another former Blues player makes the cut for this feature - Striker Conor Chaplin is currently the club’s leading scorer with 6 goals under his belt in League One already this season.

The 25-year-old has however gone 4 games in all competitions without finding the back of the net, last succeeding in a 2-0 win over Bristol Rovers on September 13th.

Chaplin represented Pompey for 16 years between 2003 and his departure in 2019, turning pro in 2014 and making over 100 appearances for the senior team.

He now wears the number 10 shirt at Portman Road.

CURRENT FORM

Although this week’s opponents, Ipswich occupy 1 place higher than the Blues in the League One standings, they are beatable.

Last time out, Kieran McKenna’s side were defeated by 2 goals to 1 away at Plymouth Argyle, live on the Sky Sports cameras on Sunday afternoon.

Pompey remain unbeaten but have played a game less than The Tractor Boys, who have so far amassed a total of 21 points from their opening 10 league games.

Prior to last weekend’s defeat at Home Park, Ipswich had not been defeated in their opening 9 league fixtures, picking up 6 wins and 3 draws.

Who will come out on top in this heavyweight League One clash at Portman Road - Ipswich Town or Portsmouth?

All of the unmissable action will be right with us on Pompey Live from 2 O'Clock this, and every Saturday afternoon!

 

More from Football

  • Jimmy Dickinson Statue Unveiled At Fratton Park

    REACTION: Express FM's Jake Smith speaks with Pompey Supporters' Trust treasurer Donald Vass and sculptor Douglas Jennings following the unveiling of the Jimmy Dickinson statue at Fratton Park.

  • This Week's Opposition: Lincoln City

    After a tremendous first-half and a nerve wracking second away at Barnsley Tuesday night, the Blues are now sitting pretty at the top of the League One table. With two away games in the space of a week we now head back down South to Fratton Park to take on Lincoln City!

  • This Week's Opposition: Barnsley

    After a 95th-minute equaliser from Colby Bishop saw the Blues gain a point at Derby County on Saturday, we’re back on the road again for a midweek fixture up north in Barnsley.

  • This Week's Opposition: Derby County

    The Blues fought hard against Peterborough United to come from a goal down to claim a 3-1 victory in their previous league fixture. Now Pompey will be looking to secure another win as they take a 384 mile round trip to Pride Park, where Derby County await.

Comments

Add a comment

Log in to the club or enter your details below.
Weather in Portsmouth
Tuesday Sunny intervals High 20°C   Low 14°C
Wednesday Light rain High 20°C   Low 15°C

Coming Up

  • Paul Marsh

    10:00am - 1:00pm

    Joining Paul in the studio is Matt Roseblade from Comedy at Fox of Southsea, Andi Willis and Anthony Wood of Slimming World talk to us about how to eat healthier. Paul also talks to American Medium Chris Fleming about his new TV show Spooked Ireland with Vogue Williams.

  • Great songs, Portsmouth people

    1:00pm - 2:00pm

    Does what it says on the tin!

Recently Played

Listen to Express FM