By Neil Ravenscroft
November 29 2002

4Two is busy with college work today (hence, with my lack of HTML skills, the different format), so it's the Neil Ravenscroft match preview. As I usually switch between abject pessimism and over confidence, which one will it be this week? Venue: Fratton Park, Portsmouth.

Competition: Nationwide League Division 1.

Date & Time: 30.11.02 - 3.00pm

Ticket Availability: All ticket for away fans. If you haven't already got it, don't bother.

Walsall Team News: Matias and Aranalde back in training, but unlikely to figure. No news as yet on Zdrillic, following his thigh strain last week, or O'Connor after his injury during the Gillingham game. Lee's major dilemma will be, assuming O'Connor is fit, the choice between Simpson and Sonner in central midfield. The other option might be Simpson for Wrack at wing back.

Pompey Team News: On loan Villain Steve Stone is now reported as being likely to figure, although Merson is doubtful. Of the defenders who started last week, Primus is doubtful an ex Wigan man De Zeeuw suspended.

Walsall League Position: 19th (Div 1)

Portsmouth League Position: 1st (Div 1)

Walsall Men to Watch: Leitao and Junior, as their partnership blossoms.

Pompey Men to Watch: All of them! The partnership of Todorov and Pericard up front has been dangerous, Steve Stone has been playing well, by all accounts. The only good news is that Merson is struggling. If Stone doesn't play, watch out for his replacement, ex Saddler Harper!

The Verdict: Portsmouth have been flying at the top of the Division so far this season and already looking like almost certain promotion candidates. It doesn't seem to be a good week for us to try to improve our recent poor away form. Their home record is played 10, with only a single defeat at the hands of second placed Leicester.

This, to me, is too tough a proposition for us, so I can't see the Lads coming away with anything from this one. Let's hope for a good performance and a close game, though, as that will help team confidence ahead of two far more crucial home games against Grimsby and Wimbledon.

PREDICTION: Portsmouth 3-1 Saddlers (Sorry!).

It's a long way back from the South Coast if we've got no points!