A preview of the Blues' next fixture in the second tier of Women's football in England provided by Express FM's Kirsty Roxanne.
Following back-to-back defeats to start the 2025/26 WSL 2 campaign, Jay Sadler's side return home for matchday 3 and it's a special home fixture indeed, as Fratton Park hosts the first of 4 league fixtures this season.
Sheffield United are the visitors on Sunday (September 21st) afternoon - Kick-off in PO4 is 2pm.
The Blues were defeated 2-0 on the road against Bristol City last time out with Rio Hardy and Lexi Lloyd-Smith on the scoresheet either side of the break for The Robins. Hardy could have had 2 before the interval had it not been for a brilliant save from the penalty spot from Pompey goalkeeper Jess Gray.
After 2 matchdays, Portsmouth sit 11th and above bottom side Ipswich Town, who they take on next weekend, on goal difference.
THIS WEEK’S OPPOSITION:
MANAGER
Head coach Ash Thompson is in charge of The Blades.
Thompson took over the first team in the summer of 2024 after a 3-year spell in the club’s academy, which culminated in a Professional Game Academy Cup success in his final game as Under-21s manager last April.
However Ash Thompson has been suspended from his duties and Luke Turner has taken charge on an interim basis. He has overseen both matches played by the Blades so far this season.
Turner has had previous interim manager spells on 3 separate occasions between 2022-2024. He first arrived as a strength and conditioning coach in 2020 before moving up to be the assistant manager the following year.
ONE TO WATCH
Our one to watch on this occasion is number 24, Tammi George.
George joined the Wolves academy when she was 13 and spent a year in Tottenham Hotspur’s Under-23s before making the move back to the West Midlands.
After a decade-long association with FA Women’s National League side Wolves, she joined United this summer.
TOP SCORER
With 1 goal to her name, Charlie Devlin is the club’s top goalscorer at this early stage.
Devlin came through the Arsenal academy and went on to play for Millwall. Her performances eventually earned her a move to Manchester United in 2018.
The attacking midfielder also played for the likes of Charlton Athletic, Leicester City and Birmingham City, as well as a loan spell at SWPL giants Rangers last season.
Devlin only joined United this summer.
CURRENT FORM
Last season, The Blades finished bottom of the WSL 2, however due to Blackburn Rovers withdrawing from the league on account of financial backing being pulled, United’s place was reinstated ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
The side currently occupy 10th with 1 point from their opening 2 matches - That point coming from last weekend's 1-1 draw with Newcastle United.
In the first head-to-head at Westleigh Park last term, both sides left with a point as the match ended in a 1-1 draw. In the reverse fixture at Bramall Lane later in the season, the Blues claimed a crucial win in their fight for survival with goals from Sophie Barker and Riva Casley.
Can Pompey find their winning formula and gather 3 points at Fratton Park?
The Football Hour returns this Monday (September 22nd) evening from 6pm with Jake Smith to review all of the weekend's SkyBet Championship and Barclays WSL 2 action!
Comments
Add a comment