11-03-2024, 10:46 AM
(10-03-2024, 02:28 PM)TitchfieldBlue Wrote:(10-03-2024, 12:14 PM)blueandwight Wrote:(10-03-2024, 11:26 AM)Gerry Hatrick Wrote:(10-03-2024, 09:54 AM)Hammie Wrote: if they have something to play for it could be tricky, if already on their sunbeds, less so.
Trouble is Hammie, for me, the on-the-beach theory was blown out of the water when Cowley just needed to beat Accrington to claim a lay off spot in 2021. Accrington had nothing to play for but out-fought us at home to claim a gutting victory.
Don't think there is and comparison between us failing to make the play-offs three years ago and our current position.
However the closer we get the harder it gets solely because of the ridiculius injury situation.
Full credit to the owners, Mouseman and the players keeping us at top of the league despite all these setbacks.
A few weeks ago I believed that we couldn't afford any more injuries so the loss of Ogilvie and Lang for several weeks and possibly Sparkes as well. If you add that to our extraordinarily difficult run-in then I'm thinking, at absolute best, second place behind Derby.
Unfortunately, I'm a glass half full man. It can't be helped I'm afraid probably due to 55years supporting Pompey but my biggest fear is the play-offs.
The key is win the two home six pointers against Barnsley and Derby and take a point at Peterboro and Bolton.
Every game is a Cup Final now and on Tuesday if Sparkes is not fit, Towler will have to step up and with no left-back that lends itself to three at the back. Personally I'd drop Bishop back into the Lang role in behind Yengi and play Moxon to give us a bit more stability. Saydee isn't a starter, he's an impact player coming off the bench. PUP
You are on drugs if you think we can remain unbeaten v Peterborough, Bolton, Derby and Barnsley with our current injury list. No chance. Near enough impossible.
The key is actually to win the games against Burton, Shrewsbury, Wigan etc.
I think 90 points will be needed for 2nd place.
Many apologies, yes I did mean half empty....proves someone read it though!!
I'm only on prescribed drugs but thanks for taking an interest.
The outcome of the games against the 'big four' is an aim not a prediction although you are talking about a team that hasn't lost against any of these sides this season.
I think that more than 90 points will be required for automatic promotion.