Pessimistic Tom Burnell answers some questions I put to him ahead of the big match.
How has David James fared since his move to
Patchy. Impressive though his signing was, we've conceded at an alarming rate. He looks like he's little confidence in the ability placed in front of him and frustration (especially as we threw away a 1-0 lead away to
The resignation of Steve Coppell must have rocked the Robins. Can that shock be attributed to your poor start to the season?
Not really. The foundations laid by Coppell are quite substantial to the poor start. Recruitment has brought in - Adomah aside - poor players who are no improvement on our squad or deficiencies from last year.
What's your opinion of Keith Millen?
Millen... the debate over a rushed appointment or the right appointment divides City fans. I was impressed by his spell at the end of last season where we sorted ourselves our defensively. This year, however, we've been a shower at the back (at home).
I hope Millen can forge his own name at the club and not be seen as the Number 2 over-promoted. That said, he does seem to be making steps in bringing in his own type of player - two youth loans of promising Premier League players is a statement Gary Johnson would never have accepted. Johnson preferred bringing on 'lesser' players and ending up with them 'owing him' - Millen's letting talent speak for itself.
Christ. We're happy to let the other team score in the last 5 minutes of a game? We concede penalties when your strikers can't score? We let teams come to Ashton Gate and pick up shock victories? In short; we're the all round good guys who let YOU feel great about yourselves. If Pompey hadn't won against
And the weaknesses?
Currently too many to list. It's anxious times.
How do you expect the game to pan out on Tuesday?
We'll either scrape a draw or be battered. It's either/or at the moment.
Predict the outcome of the match.
Pompey 2