'Difficult' - Portsmouth boss makes Sheffield United admission ahead of Championship fixture
Sheffield United will be going in search of a second successive Championship when they head to Fratton Park on Wednesday night.
Portsmouth head coach John Mousinho has said he is expecting “a very difficult test” when his side faces Sheffield United at Fratton Park on Wednesday evening.
The Blades, who have won the last three meetings between the two clubs, will make the long trip to the south coast with the ambition of securing back-to-back wins for the first time this season after getting back to winning ways with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Lincoln City on Saturday.
Goals from Patrick Bamford (two) and Tahith Chong sealed a much-needed win for the Blades, who could climb into the play-off places with another three points against Portsmouth, who will be looking to bounce back after being beaten 1-0 by fierce rivals Southampton at St Mary’s on Sunday.
Portsmouth have experienced an inconsistent start to the campaign, winning two, drawing two and losing four of their first eight Championship matches, meaning they are currently above the relegation zone only on goal difference.
With the visit of the Blades marking the first of two games in less than 72 hours for the Fratton Park outfit, Mousinho’s side will be keen to secure as many points as possible from the next six available. Nevertheless, Mousinho is expecting a stern test against the Blades, despite their own indifferent start to the season.
“There are six points up for grabs this week, although we’re not looking beyond Sheffield United yet and are looking for a positive response by picking up a win,” said Mousinho, as quoted by Portsmouth’s club website.
“They’ve had a disappointing start by their own high standards, but played well and got an excellent result against Lincoln on Saturday. Chris Wilder is a great manager with a wealth of experience at this level and higher, so we expect a very difficult test.
“But we need to give the fans reason to cheer by starting with plenty of intensity and aggression – if we do that, then they’ll be right behind us.”