Boss looking forward to Plymouth clash
The speed at which tickets were snapped up shows how much importance fans are placing on this weekend’s clash with Plymouth.
Home sections of the ground have completely sold out as Pompey continue their quest for automatic promotion.
Currently sitting sixth in the League Two standings, victory will see them leapfrog Saturday’s opponents.
But Paul Cook does not expect an easy ride against an Argyle side who have lost their last two matches.
The Blues boss said: “Results are the most important thing at this stage of the season – it’s not as important how you play.
“We want to crawl Accrington back in and have our destiny in our hands – that’s something we’re trying to grasp.
“There will be two strong sides out on the pitch on Saturday and it’s great credit to Derek Adams, his staff and players that Plymouth have been front-runners for much of the season.
“There is a belief at the moment that we have all the momentum and they have none.
“I don’t really buy into all that because they’re above us in the league, so have obviously managed to do alright.
“But if you want to be promoted then you have to do well in big games – I’m sure the fans have seen a few of them down the years.
“Everyone should be looking forward to 3pm on a Saturday because there will be that big-game feeling and the pitch is looking immaculate.”
Pompey are looking to extend their winning run after claiming a third successive league victory for the first time this season at Dagenham last week.
Cook said: “Stats always get offered up to managers – whether they’re good or bad – and that was one that has been thrown up.
“At the end of the season, where you finish is what you deserve and it doesn’t matter how you’ve got there.”
Watch Cook’s thoughts on the game below or subscribe to Pompey PlayerHD for extended interviews with the manager and Christian Burgess.