After escaping relegation last season, what are your hopes for this one?
Personally I'd have taken a season of rebuilding and maybe an unspectacular midtable finish, but Wilder appears to have recruited well and theres a belief building that we could mount a play-off campaign.
How close is Chris Wilder to "legend" status at Sixfields?
Still a way to go on that yet but you cant deny the excellent job he did to keep us up. Appreciate he had the financial backing of our Chairman but we were on our knees.
If he gets us up this year that "legend" tag may be within reach.
Pompey had Daniel Alfei on loan last season. What do Cobblers fans think of him?
It's a bit early to say but I think hes looked a bit shaky. Hopefully this will change as he obviously has talent.
Who are the key players in your team?
I rate our centre halves (Diamond and Collins) but our midfield will be key this year. Chris Hackett, on his day, is one of the best wingers in this league. Mohamed has impressed me so far and in Carter and O'Toole we have players with a lot of talent but it hasn't always shown.
What are the biggest strengths of this Northampton side?
We are starting to move away from the "hoofball tag! we've had for a while and are trying to play the ball on the floor a bit more. We also are more resolute away from home (one away defeat since January) so hopefully this continues.
Also, watch out for Ivan Toney. Northampton born and bred, still a teenager, scored some impressive goals already (youtube his overhead kick against Dagenham). This kid is special and I think one of the the biggest young talents I've seen in a Teyn shirt. Bearing in mind we've had Kyle Walker, Simon Cox, Saido Berahino, Bradley Johnson and others it's a bold statement.
And the main weaknesses?
I hate to say it but Matt Duke has been a quality keeper for us but there are signs that he's on the slide. His kicking can be suspect and hes made a few mistakes. In all honesty I was surprised we didn't recruit a new first choice keeper.
What type of match are you expecting at Fratton Park and would you take a draw?
I think we will try to play the right way but resort to 'plan B' if required. We also should'nt give up as Saturday (90th minute equaliser away at York) proved. Not sure what to expect from Pompey as you've changed a lot since last season. You've started well so whatever Awford has done appears to be working.
Pompey away could well be our biggest test so it might be good to get it out the way early so I'd snap your arm off for a draw but we've looked good so far so no reason we cant get all three.
Predict the outcome of the game.
Heart says 2-1 to the Teyn, head says 1-1 would be a good result.