Sat 9 March fixtures

[thewwfc]

More hot relegation dogfight six-pointers, Charlton v BELEAGUERED Carlisle United, Vale v Shrews, Reading v us.

I'd certainly take a draw at The Select Car Leasing Stadium™ but I suspect we'll lose - I know that past record doesn't really matter but we've never won there, and it's my first (and I expect last) time visiting.

My least favourite type of stadium too, a generic modern template-o-drome plonked in the middle of a retail park. Looking forward to it.

 

[Throbber_for_Dunk]

More hot relegation dogfight six-pointers, Charlton v BELEAGUERED Carlisle United

I'd hate to ring Adam Hurrey on the Batphone at this time of night, but if I had to, he WOULD NOT be having that. No chance.



But yeah, big one for us really, new manager, Lyle back, and obviously just enough of a dash of local spice that it feels that bit more tasty, but doesn't ruin your weekend in quite the same way when it falls out your arse at 5pm on Saturday.

The table has become more uncomfortable to look at recently, even knowing we've lost to 5 sides up the top of the league, and we don't have anyone below us still to play until final day. 3 wins and a handful of draws should do it, and this is a lot more presentable than the matches that follow it.

I'll unclench later.

 

[FarehamPompey]

Difficult game this weekend for Pompey at Blackpool. I’m going, can’t wait.

Have to win to keep the gap especially as Bolton and Barnsley have easier games.

 

[valefan16]

Its the 11th must win, last chance saloon game of the season in a row for us it seems! but this really is.

Win this, we pull Shrewsbury right into the mire and give ourselves a fighting chance, lose and we could be 8-9 adrift and its all over.

First week off for Moore so they've been on a training camp to try and work on things at Champney Springs so Moore can have no excuses this weekend as he has had time with his squad.

Loft should return after missing last weekend with an infected stitch in his lip (yes really), hopefully Wilson is back but the positive from last weekend was the return of Mitch Clark who surely has to start.

Need to see some effort, desire and fight or VP could become very toxic this weekend, we have to put in a big performance and get that elusive win to really put the cat amongst the pigeons and make sure we go down fighting at the very least this season rather than feebly give up as we have in recent weeks,

 

[Si Robin]

I've just bought my ticket for Oxford. Not been since 2011 (I think) and my son really wants to go. I think he's becoming a masochist.

Our best win of the season came at home to Oxford back in November. It was when we showed we were prepared to fight for safety. I'd kill for something similar this weekend. I certainly don't expect anything though.

 

[Bartonyellow]

Peterborough at home for our annual thrashing.
We will lose this again im sure as they seem to have found the net again.
Only out out the bottom 4 by others poor form.
0-3 defeat

 

[folletto]

Expecting a comfortable win. Feels good to say that.

 

[nelsonpfc]

Having been turned over at our place by Blackpool ealier in the season with a mix and match first 11 and a sending off. Fingers crossed we can shakle Dembele and CJ Hamilton

 

[codaplenty]

Stevenage away this weekend, if that's not bad enough the remaining away games are Posh, Lashers, Oxford and Orient. Good news for the teams we are trying to catch. I actually fancy us to get a point at Stevenage but regretfully it won't be enough.
On the positive side if we win all our remaining away games we will certainly deserve to stay up - cue bouts of ha ha ha

 

[EricSabin]

Had a ticket for Cambridge Saturday but now on the fence

 

[Luke Imp]

March will be a better barometer of where we're at under Skubala (which seems a daft thing to say after 4 months in the job but we've had an injury crisis and and awful run of fixtures in his first three months really).

After an excellent February of playing sides below us and flying through it with minimal injuries, March is a mixed but tougher month (Stevenage, Barnsley, Oxford, Orient and Bristol Rovers and Cambridge) and being without two of our four central midfielders.

We're not going to make the PO's but there's still some interest left in the season whilst there's a very small chance so it'll be nice to keep that going for a little longer if nothing else.

 

[Gassy]

Looking forward to this one. We usually play well against the top teams.

After beating Pompey and Bolton recently, I’m sure they’ll be hoping we’re consistent in taking 3 points from Derby too.

I fancy us for a point tbh, but anything can happen. Glad we’re finally seeing some injured players come back in Finley & Taylor. Much have been massively missed

 

[denzel ecfc]

My least favourite type of stadium too, a generic modern template-o-drome plonked in the middle of a retail park. Looking forward to it

Do you prefer them at the end of one?

 

[The Terminator]

Our first ever visit to the DW Stadium and first visit to Wigan in 27 years, when we lost 5-1 at the old Springfield Park.

Wellens should make a few changes for this, Max Sanders needs another run in our number 10 postion - every time he starts there, he's played well but then breaks down every couple of games.

Not sure if he might also play Ethan Galbraith further forward as well.

Would imagine we will take around 800 to this as its our first ever visit there, one of those games where all your clubs familiar and regular faces all appear at the game and town......!

In truth, this is a midtable cup game.

 

[Luke Imp]

March will be a better barometer of where we're at under Skubala (which seems a daft thing to say after 4 months in the job but we've had an injury crisis and and awful run of fixtures in his first three months really).

After an excellent February of playing sides below us and flying through it with minimal injuries, March is a mixed but tougher month (Stevenage, Barnsley, Oxford, Orient and Bristol Rovers and Cambridge) and being without two of our four central midfielders.

We're not going to make the PO's but there's still some interest left in the season whilst there's a very small chance so it'll be nice to keep that going for a little longer if nothing else.

Sounds like we're down to one midfielder for Saturday. Hamilton already out for the season, McGrandles is having an ankle operation tomorrow and will be out for the season whilst Bishop has a niggle and is doubtful.

We have Jackson and Burroughs back available but they're both defenders - the area of the pitch we're stacked with availability (he says...!).

 

[Floreat Salopia]

Port Vale away.

MUST NOT LOSE. Avoid defeat here and I think that’s three from four down and with Cheltenham playing away at Oxford, we could be a point if not three, further ahead come 5pm Saturday. Majority of the pressure is on Vale, fail to win and they’re as good as down.

A draw would be decent for us but all three would be a huge step towards being in League One next season, especially with our next two games being Exeter and Carlisle both at home where we need to be targeting six points from those two.

I think we’ll get the 3 points…

Vale 0-2 Salop

 

[leedsvaliant]

Port Vale away.

MUST NOT LOSE. Avoid defeat here and I think that’s three from four down and with Cheltenham playing away at Oxford, we could be a point if not three, further ahead come 5pm Saturday. Majority of the pressure is on Vale, fail to win and they’re as good as down.

A draw would be decent for us but all three would be a huge step towards being in League One next season, especially with our next two games being Exeter and Carlisle both at home where we need to be targeting six points from those two.

I think we’ll get the 3 points…

Vale 0-2 Salop

I'd love to disagree with you but I can't. I usually think you're way too optimistic for a team that has proven to be poor (irrelevant of manager) over a season. But I can understand your optimism here.

You'll come with more fight, a plan and we'll make our inevitable defensive error.

It's our 600th must win game of the season and as you say, the pressure is all on us. I don't see any leaders or fighters in our team, so I just don't see any great escape happening.

 

[Randolph Haggerty]

Easiest win you’ll have all season.
I just hope you go 2 up quickly so I can piss off down the pub , and not drag it out until 85th minute or so like Lincoln did.
We’re done, it’s not even close.

 

[valefan16]

I'd love to disagree with you but I can't. I usually think you're way too optimistic for a team that has proven to be poor (irrelevant of manager) over a season. But I can understand your optimism here.

You'll come with more fight, a plan and we'll make our inevitable defensive error.

It's our 600th must win game of the season and as you say, the pressure is all on us. I don't see any leaders or fighters in our team, so I just don't see any great escape happening.

Darren Moore's speech gives me some hope, just got to hope the training camp has worked and the positive noises coming out of the club translate on to the pitch. If they dont get up for this then they really are wasters.

 

[Tangerine_tart]

I'm really looking forward to the game tomorrow. Portsmouth won't sit back like most teams we play at home, so I'm expected a few goals. We need to win , it's that simple. Safe travels to the fans making the long trip up North

 

[nelsonpfc]

I'm really looking forward to the game tomorrow. Portsmouth won't sit back like most teams we play at home, so I'm expected a few goals. We need to win , it's that simple. Safe travels to the fans making the long trip up North

I think this is where the pressure gets ramped up. We don't need to win. A week where we have Blackpool away, Burton home and Peterborough away getting 5 points would be a good week. Anything above that would be really good. Obviously it would be fantastic to win, but the pressure on those side who do need to win makes it very tough. I'm hoping this is what will happen with Bolton, Barnsley and Derby. They cannot afford to be dropping points if they want to get the top 2

 

[codaplenty]

I'm really looking forward to the game tomorrow. Portsmouth won't sit back like most teams we play at home, so I'm expected a few goals. We need to win , it's that simple. Safe travels to the fans making the long trip up North

My cousin who lives in London is coming up for the game, big Pool fan. We are going out for lunch with him and his family so be interesting to hear his take on the game. We'll be trying to do you a favour against Stevenage !!

 

[LordJord]

I am not going to Cambridge, seen us away 5 or 6 times this season and we have lost them all so going to stay away to do my bit for the team. Would like to see some rotation in certain areas, our LB has been getting cooked for weeks but sadly everyone else that can play there is injured, definitely an area Cambridge should target.

Think both teams will score tomorrow. Despite our lack of fluidity at the moment we still seem to score, will go for a 1-1 draw, low on quality all around.

 

[Si Robin]

Since I got with my wife in Dec 2008 I have been to 19 away games. We have won two of them. Since I started going away on occasion again since August 2021 I have been to 5 away games. We haven't won yet.

I'm going to Oxford today!

 

[Davidimp]

Sounds like we're down to one midfielder for Saturday. Hamilton already out for the season, McGrandles is having an ankle operation tomorrow and will be out for the season whilst Bishop has a niggle and is doubtful.

We have Jackson and Burroughs back available but they're both defenders - the area of the pitch we're stacked with availability (he says...!).

Bishop was on the club video showing the squad training, so hopefully he's OK.
Over 2000 travelling to a game for us when our season is nearly over is remarkable

 

[E10rifle]

It’s a long way up North and our team is very young and very tired. I expect we’ll get absolutely gubbed for the first time this season.

 

[denzel ecfc]

Clem was interviewing Nathan Jones for Football Focus today so lump on Carlisle

 

[thewwfc]

En route to The Select Car Leasing Stadium. Woo!

All I ask is that they crank this banger before KO.

 

[valefan16]

Port Vale away.

MUST NOT LOSE. Avoid defeat here and I think that’s three from four down and with Cheltenham playing away at Oxford, we could be a point if not three, further ahead come 5pm Saturday. Majority of the pressure is on Vale, fail to win and they’re as good as down.

A draw would be decent for us but all three would be a huge step towards being in League One next season, especially with our next two games being Exeter and Carlisle both at home where we need to be targeting six points from those two.

I think we’ll get the 3 points…

Vale 0-2 Salop

Wouldn’t say we are under pressure to be honest as it feels we are good as down anyway so have little more to lose, if we win it doesn’t get us out of it just improves our chances but at this point we can’t get any worse.

 

[valefan16]

Mitch Clark not in the squad after returning last week but Jones, Wilson, Sang and Grant are back.

Loft missing again with an infected lip it seems! Chislett dropped is a surprise!

Wilson back is massive though as we need a striker in the XI.

Most players we’ve had available for months but still lacking attacking options really.