Portsmouth v Burnley: Burnley target away day success
If Portsmouth are to have any hope of beating the drop this season then this is a game they simply must win. The Fratton Park side are currently three points adrift of fellow strugglers Wolverhampton Wanderers, who face Bolton this weekend in a huge six-pointer, but are a massive seven points from safety.
Defeat to Burnley would almost certainly give Avram Grant’s side an impossible mountain to climb. However, Burnley travel to the south coast still seeking their first away win of the season and they haven’t beaten Portsmouth in their last nine meetings. This is an opportunity that Pompey simply cannot pass up, especially as they face Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal this month.
Burnley have been absolutely immense at Turf Moor this season but on their travels they have been well and truly shocking. They have conceded 25 goals in their previous seven away games, which includes five at Upton Park last weekend, and have only managed to muster one point from their travels. Owen Coyle has seen signs of improvement though in recent weeks. They’ve scored three in their last two away games and gave West Ham United a right shock last Saturday by refusing to lay down at 5-0.
Portsmouth started the season by losing to the odd goal here and there but since Hart was dismissed they have leaked eight in two games. That defensive frailty will be something Owen Coyle will be looking to exploit as he aims to return to the top half of the table with a win.
David James is expected to feature in goal for Pompey after his calf problem was not as bad as first feared, but they will be without Kaboul who is suspended.
Burnley will be without their captain Stephen Caldwell following his red card against the Hammers and David Nugent is ineligible to play.
It's not been a good time for Portsmouth fans or players but the Panel believes a share of the points is the least they can manage here.
