New kick-off time?: ‘Another big moment’ – Portsmouth vs Stoke City prediction

New kick-off time?: ‘Another big moment’ – Portsmouth vs Stoke City prediction

Stoke City make the trip to Portsmouth on Wednesday night for an important clash between two sides fighting to push up table.

Stoke City have begun turning things around since Mark Robins took over around the New Year. SCFC have gone unbeaten in four games, picking up results against promotion challengers Sunderland and Burnley in the league.

The Potters have just one win so far under Robins, coming in the FA Cup away to Sunderland. However, despite the run, they are still in 18th in the Championship table and just two points above the drop zone.

Last time out SCFC, drew 1-1 away from home to West Brom. Nathan Lowe had opened the scoring on his return from loan before Grady Diangana equalised in the second half.

As for Portsmouth, they come into the game on the back off an impressive win over play-off hopefuls Middlesbrough.

Pompey are on a good run at Fratton Park at the minute and are unbeaten in their last six on home turf. The win over Boro was their fifth home win in that period.

They have the chance to leapfrog Stoke City with a win on Wednesday night, with John Mousinho’s side just two points behind the Potters in 22nd place.

Here, a handful of our writers make their predictions for the game…

Charlie Hodgson

“Really tough game to call here. Stoke City have made themselves particularly hard to beat recently and you’d back them to continue that against a side below them in the table.

“However, you can’t see Pompey dropping points at home right now. John Mousinho has made Fratton Park a fortress and that is going to be huge for them on Wednesday and for the rest of the season.

“I think Portsmouth will once again win. They look good at home and it will be just too much for a weakened SCFC side.”

Prediction: Portsmouth 2-1 Stoke City

James Ray

“Portsmouth claimed yet another impressive home win at the weekend, coming from behind to beat Middlesbrough. I think they’ll be confident of pulling off another scalp here too.

“Stoke City have tightened things up under Robins but they’re still missing the wins that will help them really progress up the table.

“The Potters’ away record is really poor, and with Fratton Park becoming a fortress, and I think that’ll see the visitors beaten. I’ll go for a home win, marking another big moment in Pompey’s survival fight.”

Prediction: Portsmouth 2-1 Stoke City

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