How happy are you with Wycombe's start to the season and is a push for promotion now realistic after narrowly escaping relegation last season?
Obviously, I'm delighted with the start and it's certainly way beyond everyone's expectations. I don't think a promotion push is realistic though because we have a decent first eleven when everyone is fit but inevitably as the season goes on we'll pick up injuries and suspensions which I fear will cost us. There will be no complaints though with a mid-table finish after last season's disaster.
What are the main reasons for the improvement in this Wycombe team?
There are two main reasons. The first is that Ainsworth has shipped out a lot of players that either weren't good enough or that their attitude was wrong (e.g. Kuffour, Spring, Dean Morgan, Marvin McCoy). and he's brought in players that know this league and are proven performers at this level. The likes of Jombati (Cheltenham), Jacobson (Shrewsbury) and Pierre (Brentford) have strengthened our defence, Murphy (Accrington) has been a revelation in midfield with 4 goals already and Paul Hayes up front is a class act.
The second is that Ainsworth has learnt from his mistakes of last season and there has been far less tinkering and gamesmanship from him. We're playing decent football and we seem to have a plan B.
What are your team's biggest strengths?
Work rate and pressing has been good to see but it has to be our defence. It is very solid, we don't concede many and look strong. The three defenders mentioned above have been part of an ever-present back five along with Mawson on loan from Brentford who has been excellent and knows Pierre from their Brentford days together. Add Matt Ingram in goal to that and I'm amazed is still with us as he has the potential to go all the way to the top.
What are the main weaknesses in your team that could be exploited by Pompey on Saturday?
The other end of the pitch is the issue, Paul Hayes is superb but can't be expected to do it on his own. The midfield have chipped in with goals so far but until we find a successful partner to Hayes then we'll continue to struggle for goals. Matt McClure has great potential but is regularly frustrating, Steven Craig poses no goal threat and Aaron Holloway is unproven. Should Pompey manage to score twice then they will win the game.
Are there any players in the Portsmouth squad which give you cause for concern?
Have been impressed with what I've seen of Wallace and Hollands is a proven performer at a higher level.
What type of football do the Chairboys play and what kind of match can we expect at Fratton Park?
We've changed a bit from last season, we try to play more consistently on the floor but at the same time we continue to be a mirror image of Ainsworth as a player (a lot of running, closing down, and more than a few fouls!). We also don't seem to have lost the tag of being time wasters although is a little bit less common than last season.
Predict the result of the match.
1-0 to Pompey.