Portsmouth v Luton Town 4/8

[Kenneth E End]

Ooh I'm looking forward to this one. I've got my ticket!

This is Luton Town's first match in League One since 2008. At the time, the club was in turmoil - the club recovering from administration and the installation of a board of directors that has been fundamental to the club's survival. Its been a long road back, via the Conference, 40 points of deductions and many a year of heartache.

Nathan Jones would argue that Luton should've won League Two last year - based on style of play, performances and the number of goals scored, significantly higher than anyone else. That said, Accrington won the division fair and square, mainly due to an insane run of points earned at the back of the season.

Goal scoring has been Luton's strength. 110 were scored in all competitions last season, although nearly half of those goals are from players who won't be available on Saturday or have moved onto new clubs.

However, Luton have strengthened well in key areas, especially the defence. Sonny Bradley was one of the most sought after defenders in the division, this summer. He should form a good partnership with Alan Sheehan and/or Matty Pearson at the heart of the defence. On the wings, there are two coveted full backs in Dan Potts and Jack Stacey who are gaining interest from higher levels. Jorge Grant signed on loan from Nottingham Forest was in the top 3 players in League Two last year has looked a class player in pre season. The club now include 6 of last year's League Two team of the year.

Portsmouth too haven't had a huge number of changes and too look strong in all areas; I expect them to be at least in the top 6. Brett Pittman up front will cause all hell of problems. Christian Burgess always seems to play well against us.

Pre-season has been mixed - defensively, the club has been a bit all over the place, even against non leaguers which is slightly worrying. That said, I don't think the best partnership has been utilised together as of yet - we may find out more today v Notts County who will actually play next week. Lots of goals have been scored however, which is expected.

Going to be a huge crowd this one, in an intimidating atmosphere. I can't wait. Luton are back!

 

[nelsonpfc]

We looked good v Utrecht today. Looked like we've solved the biggest issue from last season. Centre midfield was overrun alot last year. We've signed Naylor from Burton who looks an imposing figure there and Walkes from Spurs is a very good young player. Athletic and got a decent shot on him. We have a good record v Luton and I'm very glad Hylton isn't fit as he always causes us problems. Watch out for number 11 Ronan Curtis, he's been excellent in pre season after moving from Derry City. Burgess has lost his place to Whatmough.

 

[Kenneth E End]

Not unfit, Hylton is suspended.

 

[nelsonpfc]

Not unfit, Hylton is suspended.

I knew that, meant unavailable, not unfit

 

[BelizeHatter]

Great first game and if we needed any reminder we've stepped up a level our opening five fixtures show it with all being Top Ten L1 last year, or in Sunderlands case a League above that!

For me this is the toughest of them all. Great test of what we really are.

 

[Kenneth E End]

Great first game and if we needed any reminder we've stepped up a level our opening five fixtures show it with all being Top Ten L1 last year, or in Sunderlands case a League above that!

For me this is the toughest of them all. Great test of what we really are.

Portsmouth, Sunderland, West Brom, Peterborough, Shrewsbury, Southend

Baptism of fire! To be honest, its probably a perfect time to play these teams with them all still sorting their shit out - especially Sunderland and Peterborough. Our shit has, bar the defence, has been well and truly sorted for a while.

 

[Kenneth E End]

The team I'd go with...

GK Marek Stech
RB James Justin (Jack Stacey will depart this week)
LB Dan Potts (if he doesn't depart too)
CB Matty Pearson (controversial, but Bradley and Sheehan are both lefties)
CB Alan Sheehan
DM Alan McCormack
CM Jorge Grant
CM Andrew Shinnie
AM Elliot Lee
CF Harry Cornick
CF James Collins

Subs:
James Shea, Sonny Bradley, Glen Rea, Pelly Ruddock-Mpanzu, Luke Gambin, Jake Jervis, Arthur Read

 

[Don Tonberry]

Should be a good game, this one. I expect Luton to have a good season much like we did last year whilst play-offs are minimum expectation for us given we've added depth to our squad and the division looks weaker than it did last year.

I'll go for a hard-fought 2-1 win for us with Curtis scoring on his debut.

 

[That Fat Centre Half]

Portsmouth normally gives us big problems, that year they went up they gave us a right lesson at the Kenny. Don’t recall us playing very well at all at Fratton Park either. Last season though we did play very well against them in the Cup and were probably a lot more comfortable than the score actually suggested.

Should be a really good test for us, although not sure any result will be indicative of how we will do this season.

Looking at the squads everyone has I think we are a mid table team on paper and I’d take a point, to just get our bearings in the division.

 

[Kenneth E End]

I'd take a draw if offered right now - think that would be a great result for us.

I think we need to learn as a side to not be as open; especially away from home. There have been many occasions where we've been naive and got punished for it.

 

[Bucket_]

Can’t wait for this one, there seems to have always been a bit of bite in these games over the last few seasons.

Echoing what the others have said, playoffs looks like a realistic ambition this year rather than the outside hope we had last season. I still think we need another striker and attacking midfielder, but the new signings look like key additions - Naylor and Curtis impressed me a lot in our final friendly yesterday.

Even more key though could be keeping Matt Clarke (so far).. I was convinced he’d be gone by our first game. I know it’s the classic biased brag, but if Whatmough stays injury free we could easily have one of the best CB pairings in the league if they fufill their potential; they’re both dominant in the air, confident with their feet/coming out with the ball, and pick out good passes frequently. Having a strong spine in our team is an exciting prospect.

How many will Luton bring down?

 

[That Fat Centre Half]

The team I'd go with...

GK Marek Stech
RB James Justin (Jack Stacey will depart this week)
LB Dan Potts (if he doesn't depart too)
CB Matty Pearson (controversial, but Bradley and Sheehan are both lefties)
CB Alan Sheehan
DM Alan McCormack
CM Jorge Grant
CM Andrew Shinnie
AM Elliot Lee
CF Harry Cornick
CF James Collins

Subs:
James Shea, Sonny Bradley, Glen Rea, Pelly Ruddock-Mpanzu, Luke Gambin, Jake Jervis, Arthur Read

Don’t think you can play Shinnie in that position in midfield, especially away from home. He is too lightweight and won’t do the key defensive stuff for hat position, especially with Grant in the other side. He’s a pure number 10 for me.

Has to be Pelly for me. He has done well in the pre season too.

Everyone else I think is fine.

 

[BelizeHatter]

Was gonna type the same on Pelly. That's my lineup too. Have a funny feeling this could be a Cornick breakout season and he gets his shot first game.

What is our allocation and sales for this game. We should take plenty.

 

[Kenneth E End]

Don’t think you can play Shinnie in that position in midfield, especially away from home. He is too lightweight and won’t do the key defensive stuff for hat position, especially with Grant in the other side. He’s a pure number 10 for me.

Has to be Pelly for me. He has done well in the pre season too.

Everyone else I think is fine.

You're probably correct. I want Shinnie to find that mojo that he had at the start of last season. I think Lee deserves that AM role.

 

[nelsonpfc]

Big blow for us. Jamal Lowe done his ankle on saturday. Out for 2-3 weeks. Looks like Evans will slot in at RM, but doesn't give us the trickery or unpredictability of Lowe. Evans is more of a robust hard working winger

 

[Maple Hatter]

Portsmouth, Sunderland, West Brom, Peterborough, Shrewsbury, Southend

Baptism of fire! To be honest, its probably a perfect time to play these teams with them all still sorting their shit out - especially Sunderland and Peterborough. Our shit has, bar the defence, has been well and truly sorted for a while.

Wouldn't go as far as Baptism of Fire. We've played Portsmouth, Shrewsbury and Southend in league 2 and while they have improved so have we. Portsmouth will be a very close game. The fact its the first game of the season makes it difficult to call but I wouldn't be that surprised if we nick a draw. I'm hoping the confidence we showed at the end of the season will carry over. Not unusual for promoted clubs to start the season well so agree its a good time to get some of the more difficult games out of the way with, especially Sunderland, Portsmouth and Peterborough, all three should feature in the top six come the end of the season.
Will be a terrific atsmosphere at Fratton Park as it always is. One of the few old skool atmospheres remaining but one we should relish playing in.

 

[Hatter86]

How many will Luton bring down?

Not entirely sure. The manager of the ticket office said on Outlaws that we were close to selling initial allocation of 2500 which another 300 available if necessary.

I don't subscribe to the whole, Sheehan and Bradley can't play together stuff as they are both left footed. Right footers are much more common and you wouldn't hesitate to play to right footers together. Plus we were trying to sign Bradley last season when Sheehan was our established first choice and Cuthbert and Mullins had injury issues. I can see them starting together. Pearson on the bench as he can cover right fullback and centre half.

Will definitely be Pelly in midfield rather than Shinnie. Lee deserves to start at point of diamond. I too expect Cornick to have a breakout season and his pace will be key on the counter.

Really looking forward to this now, train strike notwithstanding.

 

[That Fat Centre Half]

Not entirely sure. The manager of the ticket office said on Outlaws that we were close to selling initial allocation of 2500 which another 300 available if necessary.

I don't subscribe to the whole, Sheehan and Bradley can't play together stuff as they are both left footed. Right footers are much more common and you wouldn't hesitate to play to right footers together. Plus we were trying to sign Bradley last season when Sheehan was our established first choice and Cuthbert and Mullins had injury issues. I can see them starting together. Pearson on the bench as he can cover right fullback and centre half.

Will definitely be Pelly in midfield rather than Shinnie. Lee deserves to start at point of diamond. I too expect Cornick to have a breakout season and his pace will be key on the counter.

Really looking forward to this now, train strike notwithstanding.

I’d be surprised if he plays both Sheehan and Bradley because Jones clearly likes having left footer and a right footer but more pertinently, Bradley and Sheehan I dont think have played with each other through pre season (may have for a few minutes but not any substantial period of time).

 

[Judge Dredd]

Really looking forward to this now, train strike notwithstanding.

What's the deal with the train strike? We booked train tickets from Waterloo a few days ago without realising, are all the services going to be cancelled? Ballache if so, sure we can sort a driver but was hoping for an extended beery one.

 

[Hatter86]

As far as I'm aware South West are striking so no idea if they'll be service from Waterloo. There website for the day say they are yet to finalise plans in terms of replacement services and ticket acceptance.

https://www.southwesternrailway.com/plan-my-journey/rmt-industrial-action/saturday-4-august

You can get Southern trains from East Croydon which is what we are doing. Strike might not go ahead but I wouldn't want to risk it. Think there are services from East Croydon at 10.18 and 10.23

Edit

08.23, 09.23, 10.23 and then 11.23. There are services at 53 minutes past the hour but it involves changing to a South Western service at Havant which will likely be cancelled. In terms of trains back you are looking at 17.19, 18.19 and 19.19 from Fratton to Three Bridges and changing to Thameslink. All other journeys involves South Western.

 

[That Fat Centre Half]

Im getting the Southern Trains service too, actually worked out quicker from Luton to do that than go on South West Trains which surprised me a little bit.

But really, when the omni shambles that is Southern Trains are offering a better a service than you, you really know things have gone to shit.

 

[That Fat Centre Half]

Well having seen that I just think it’s kinda not meant to be for us to win at Fratton Park ever again. Played really very well and incredibly unfortunate not to get at least a point.

Having said that you can’t make defensive errors like we did for the goal. Had at least 3 opportunities to not concede it I think.

Portsmouth I think will be up there so to play like that against them is a good sign for us I think.

Now to try and get home on these trains!

 

[Kenneth E End]

Portsmouth bloody jammy gits

 

[Bucket_]

Absolutely scraped through that, some good debuts but it was a distinctly average performance, particularly in the second half.

Luton were excellent, really energetic and ran the game for large parts.. I see why so many fancy a playoff push for them now

Today just confirmed that we really need one or two more, though I think if we do manage to bring those in we’re set for a good season - though it wasn’t pretty today, being able to hang on is a very good sign.

 

[That Fat Centre Half]

Absolutely scraped through that, some good debuts but it was a distinctly average performance, particularly in the second half.

Luton were excellent, really energetic and ran the game for large parts.. I see why so many fancy a playoff push for them now

Today just confirmed that we really need one or two more, though I think if we do manage to bring those in we’re set for a good season - though it wasn’t pretty today, being able to hang on is a very good sign.

I liked the look of a few of your lot. The number 11 up front was very lively. Kind of reminded me of our Harry Cornick but with a bit of Hyltonesque mean streak about him that made him more dangerous.

 

[Bucket_]

I liked the look of a few of your lot. The number 11 up front was very lively. Kind of reminded me of our Harry Cornick but with a bit of Hyltonesque mean streak about him that made him more dangerous.

Yeah was impressed with Curtis as well, new keeps and Naylor also look good.

I think you've picked up a League 1 worldie signing in Jorge Grant judging by today

 

[Gassy]

How did Lee Brown do?

 

[Maple Hatter]

Can never be pleased with a defeat but result apart it was a promsing performance with so many positives. We looked fluent moving forward, won a lot of 50/50 challenges and passed the ball around with speed and accuracy. The only thing missing were the goals but not for the want of trying. Hit the woodwork twice and had a few other very decent chances which in league two we would have buried. In league one however you need to be that bit more clinical in front of goal and avoid making and the type of mistakes which led to their goal. I noticed Sheehan changed one of his boots later in the game after that crucial slip. Had high expectations of Portsmouth but I thought they looked out of sorts and had problems coping with our passing and movement. They rode their luck today and will be mighty relieved to come away from this game with 3 points. Gutted we didn't get anything for all that hard work. As I said in the beginning you cannot fault the performance it was full of quality and already you can see an improvement on last season. Hylts back next Saturday and we still have Luke Berry to return. Can't help feeling optimistic despite the result.

 

[Kenneth E End]

Nothing I can fault today apart from the goalscoring, which like it or not, wins or loses games. Another level up, the margins are going to be even smaller.

The heat must've been sapping, but as I mentioned earlier in the thread, it was apparent when I saw Luton play in similar conditions v St Albans how supremely fit they looked. And they needed to be... they covered every blade of grass. It's been said that Portsmouth didn't look as fit, but I don't think it's necessarily fair to say that - I'd say most teams would've wilted under that today.

Portsmouth were bloody lucky. They had 2 chances - one scored and one saved by Stech, whereas we had 10 shots, twice hitting the woodwork and nearly 60% possession. They had the rub of the green. Luck will even itself out over the season - a draw would've been a great result, so I'm not totally disheartened. I'd love us to go for it again, but realistically its going to be bloody difficult.

 

[That Fat Centre Half]

Yeah was impressed with Curtis as well, new keeps and Naylor also look good.

I think you've picked up a League 1 worldie signing in Jorge Grant judging by today

Grant impressed me but for me the best midfielder out there today was Pelly Ruddock (our number 17). Outstanding and might finally be becoming the player that we all hoped he would.