The Toughsheet Community Stadium will be rocking come 3pm on Saturday Wanderers take on Portsmouth in a fierce third versus third clash in Sky Bet League One.
Both teams have everything to play for with the promotion race entering its last remaining games. Wanderers know that four wins from four will secure automatic promotion and league leaders Portsmouth can confirm a return to the Championship with a victory on Saturday.
Manager quotes
Ian Evatt: “Everyone has a part to play. I’ve seen some of the Bruce Rioch quotes from the Wolves' game and the atmosphere that was created that day. All I can do is re-emphasise those words.
"I thought they were really poignant words, and we can use them on Saturday to motivate this stadium and give ourselves an advantage in any way, shape or form we can.
“That starts with the players but if we can create a really intimidating, raucous atmosphere then it makes it even more challenging for the opposition.
“We have four, tough games to go and it starts with the toughest of all against Portsmouth, which we’re excited by and the occasion that it brings with the atmosphere from both sets of supporters.
"Our home record, on points per game, is the best in the division so playing at home is a good place for us to be but it doesn’t get much tougher than Saturday, especially with them now knowing what they can achieve which is the title and promotion.
“So they’ll be motivated but so will we, we have a lot to play for."
Portsmouth Manager John Mousinho: “In an ideal world we’d get it sorted this weekend and that’s certainly what we’ll be striving to do.
“It’s obviously not going to be easy, though, and it’s a tough game that we’ll need to approach in the right way.
“We’re facing a side with plenty to play for themselves and it should be an interesting contest, but the rewards are there if we get the job done.
"Bolton are a really good side – they have fantastic players and are well coached. You’re in for a decent test whenever you go there."
Team News
The injury list finally seems to be getting lighter and Ian Evatt’s options seem to be growing as a number of his players return to fitness.
The Gaffer confirmed positive news on Ricardo Almeida Santos and Josh Sheehan after injury scares following the win over Bristol Rovers last Saturday. Dion Charles could also play some part on Saturday afternoon as well as Gethin Jones, who is available again.
Dan Nlundulu is also edging closer to a return to action after his long lay-off from injury.
Form Guide
Having only lost on four occasions in League One, it’s no surprise to see Pompey sitting at the top of table and with the title well within their grasp heading into the final four games.
Their last defeat was way back on January 13th and that run of form has produced eleven wins and four draws. Last time out, Portsmouth dispatched Shrewsbury in a 3-1 home win to put Mousinho’s men on 90 points and seven clear at the top of the league.
As for Wanderers, back-to-back wins against Reading and Bristol Rovers have put Ian Evatt’s men within two points of second place Derby County with a game in hand.
A goal for Aaron Collins on his return to the Memorial Stadium and a penalty from Aaron Morley in the final minute secured all three points for Wanderers to set up a highly anticipated third against first clash at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.
Officials:
Referee: Anthony Backhouse
Assistant Referees: Matthew Smith and Mark Russell
Fourth Official: Scott Simpson
Kick-off:
Saturday, 3pm.
Coverage:
Supporters living outside of the UK can watch the game live via Wanderers TV with a match pass, which can be purchased HERE
Alternatively, UK supporters can listen to live full match commentary on Wanderers TV HERE.