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Jackett Searching For Change In Fratton Fortunes

Boss looks ahead to Fleetwood test

18 October 2018

Kenny Jackett
Photo: Joe Pepler/PinPep
Fixture News

Jackett Searching For Change In Fratton Fortunes

Boss looks ahead to Fleetwood test

18 October 2018

No professional side in England has collected more points on the road than Pompey this season.

And now Kenny Jackett wants to see that excellent away form transferred to their games at Fratton Park.

While his side have suffered just one league loss on home soil, they have failed to win any of the past three south coast fixtures.

But with Fleetwood and Burton both visiting in the space of a few days, Jackett is hopeful that will change.

The Blues boss said: “We’re not in a situation where we have major problems to solve, although we have to address the fact that we haven’t been as good as we could be at home.

“There have been a couple of real highs – with the Plymouth and Oxford games – but the past few matches at home have been a bit sticky.

“In terms of performance we want to be better than that, although this is a very good division full of top teams.

"There have been a couple of real highs – with the Plymouth and Oxford games – but the past few matches at home have been a bit sticky."

Kenny Jackett

“I never feel that it’s going to be anything other than close and competitive for us, and we never underestimate the opposition.

“But this is an opportunity for us with two home games in quick succession and we’ve got plenty of optimism as we look to put on some top class displays.”

First up for Pompey is a clash with Joey Barton’s eighth-placed Cod Army outfit, who go into the game on the back of successive league wins.

Jackett said: “Fleetwood had some promising young players and they’ve added experience to that in order to build a strong mix.

“Looking at their results and performances, they’ve been excellent so far and will – quite rightly – have aspirations for a successful season.

“They’ve got a good points total and will be chasing the promotion spaces, with some shrewd acquisitions to add to the key players they already have.

“In the end, though, it’s about us and we want to be starting the game on the front foot. It’s important there’s a high tempo to give the crowd confidence.”

Pompey will still be without the injured duo of Andre Green and David Wheeler, although one key member of the squad is available again.

Jackett said: “Ronan Curtis is added to the group after being away with the Irish squad and congratulations to him once again for that.

“Dave is closest to being fit, although it will probably be next Saturday or the week after before he’s back.

“We’ll also have a look at Danny Rose after a training ground accident that left him with stitches in his face, but it’ll more likely be Monday until he returns.”

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