Pompey preview

Oh dear, here we go again. Another week has passed, the disappointment of Saturday's result has all but faded, and for the 24th time this season we convince ourselves that a turnaround is surely imminent.

Even by the standards of this season, it hasn't been a great week though, so perhaps any slightly irrational optimism will be tempered by realism. From the lack of new transfers, to Rommedahl's daft comments and most recently to news of Andy Reid's injury (thanks apparently to 'mismanagement', whatever that means), the lot of a Charlton fan is not a happy one. Thankfully they say the night is darkest just before the dawn.

Our Premiership away form is ridiculous, and those buoyant fans that left Fratton Park in October 2005 convinced that the Addicks were on the verge of moving on to the 'next level,' would not have imagined we would now be 456 days into the winless streak on the road. With Bolton, Man Utd and Chelsea up next, it is vital we pick up at least a point but with our current injuries one wonders if the best outcome will be a P-P draw thanks to the inclement weather.

The media's eyes will of course be on Ben Thatcher, who can expect the type of welcome Jade Goody will receive the next time she fancies a curry. Without wishing to sound cowardly, I think there is a good argument for leaving him out of the squad altogether, particularly with Hreidarsson as a straightforward replacement. I don't see how anything good can come out of his presence from our standpoint, and with the Pompey fans preparing to bay for his blood, news of his omission may well dampen the atmosphere to our obvious benefit.

Elsewhere, Pards has limited options but will surely want to add more steel to the central midfield area, perhaps via the inclusion of former Pompey old boy Faye to partner Matt Holland, leaving two of Ambrose, Rommedahl and Thomas to do their flattery deception on the flanks. Sankofa could well return at right-back, particularly if he takes my advice and drops Thatcher thus pushing El Karkouri back to the centre alongside Diawara.

Derek 'Killer' Hales (KillerWatch© -£651) is looking for more than 2.5 goals at 10/11, which in Killer-speak is usually cryptic code for a heavy Addicks defeat. From my standpoint, I'll be watching the game in full (but delayed) and anticipate an ugly game on a heavy pitch, the levelling effect of which might be enough to secure us a valuable point. NY Addick predicts Portsmouth 0, Charlton 0.