Pompey fans will be hoping for a happier new year than on previous January 1sts by celebrating a result at Roots Hall tomorrow.
Team News
Danny East is an injury doubt after limping off in the goalless draw with Northampton and will join Simon Ferry, Tom Craddock, Shaun Cooper and Andy Barcham on the sidelines.
Phil Brown has no new injury concerns but may freshen up his side after only managing a draw with Accrington Stanley. Barry Corr and Freddy Eastwood are notable players who might be restored to the starting line-up.
The Match
Portsmouth began 2013 with a 5-0 thrashing at Swindon and that set the tone for a miserable year on the pitch. Pompey have played 49 games in this calendar year and have won 13, drawn 13 and lost 23. That means almost half of those fixtures have ended in defeat and some of those defeats have been terrible to watch.
Therefore, it would be nice if Pompey could bag their first New Year's Day win since a 2-0 victory at Reading back in 2008. It won't be easy as the hosts are going well but have only won once since they completed a 2-1 turnaround at Fratton Park back on November 26th.
Richie Barker was criticised for playing his 4-2-3-1 formation at home to the worst team in the division but he won't be taking any abuse for sticking to his guns for this game. Pompey have proved they can play ugly football and keep clean sheets at home but the real test is now if the team can keep a clean sheet away from Fratton Park against a decent side.
It'll be a shame if Danny East's ankle doesn't heal in time for the match as his return to the side has helped his team mates keep those two clean sheets in a row. It's worth noting that Patrick Agyemang has looked tired recently and may be rested, which means the side will lose their best player when it comes to holding the ball and supporting the midfield?
David Connolly isn't the same type of player whilst Ryan Bird isn't capable of keeping the ball so Barker faces a dilemma when it comes to picking Agyemang again.
If the midfield continue to work hard then there's no reason that Pompey can't get a result against the stuttering Shrimpers. Unfortunately we've got to that point of the season where results are far more important than entertainment value, so don't expect this to be a great game.
Hopefully 2014 will be a Happy New Year for everyone associated with Portsmouth Football Club.
Predicted Starting Line-Ups
Southend
GK: Daniel BENTLEY
RB: John WHITE
CB: Luke PROSSER
CB: Rob KEIRNAN
LB: Ben COKER
CM: Michael TIMLIN
CM: Will ATKINSON
CM: Marc LAIRD
RWF: Cauley WOODROW
LWF: Anthony STRAKER
CF: Barry CORR
Pompey
GK: Trevor CARSON
RB: Joe DEVERA
CB: Sonny BRADLEY
CB: Bondz N'GALA
LB: Marcos PAINTER
DM: Johnny ERTL
DM: Therry RACON
RM: Jed WALLACE
CM: Romain PADOVANI
LM: Ricky HOLMES
CF: Ryan BIRD
Portsmouth 1 Southend United 2 (Division One - 31/03/1997)
Pompey scored through Paul Hall but goals from Phil Gridelet and Andy Rammell, coupled with an inspired goalkeeping performance from Simon Royce saw the Blues' promotion chances take a serious dent.
My Prediction
I hope I'm wrong but I feel that enforced changes and fatigue may make the difference between the two sides and Pompey will make a mistake that Southend will capitalise on in an otherwise close match.
Southend United 1 Portsmouth 0