EFL expert makes south-coast derby prediction as Portsmouth and Southampton get set to collide
EFL expert makes south-coast derby prediction as Portsmouth and Southampton get set to collide.
After 13 years the fierce enemies collide in Championship action once again next weekend. The EFL experts have been making an early call on what unfolds at St Mary’s Stadium.
The south-coast derby is going to be an ugly fight leaving supporters of both clubs feeling sick to the stomach.
But Southampton will come out on top, as the two deadly rivals prepare to renew acquaintances next week at St Mary’s Stadium.
EFL experts Not The Top 20 make south-coast derby call
Eyes are now firmly fixed on John Mousinho’s men as they venture into enemy territory for the first time in 13 years, when David Norris startled the home crowd with a last-minute equaliser in a 2-2 draw.
Pompey were in the midst of a financial crisis, with the club entering administration for the second time in two years as they prepared for relegation to the third division.
They travel over the M27 this time as a radically different team under the Eisners, as they rise above their league rivals for the first time in 5,229 days, following their victory over Preston North End the previous weekend.
Southampton are huge odds-on favourites with the bookies, despite being relegated from the Premier League, with the Blues 4/1 outsiders.
He remarked, ‘I believe Southampton will be strong in September. Southampton has a promising month ahead of them.
Right away, you have Portsmouth at home, which is very massive. ‘If I were a Saints or Portsmouth fan, the prospect of this game would make me sick to my stomach.
EFL pundit on Southampton v Pompey: ‘ Expecting it to be pretty ugly’
‘I can’t wait for it and expect it to be quite unpleasant, as most huge derbies are when players are concentrated on winning battles and fights, whether real or football conflicts.’
I believe the quality can be affected since they are generally preoccupied.
I’m the same at six-a-side when I’m up against a team that dislikes my team! But I expect them to win Portsmouth at home since they are the stronger team.
Maxwell expanded on his thoughts with an appraisal of Southampton’s roster, believing they can depend on a diverse range of attacking weaponry, with Will Still’s addition hinting to a change in formation.
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