At this point in the season every game counts, however, some hold significantly more value than others.
This is the perfect example of just that, with two of the league’s top sides facing off with one another. In fact it’s actually sees the top scorers in the league in the form of Peterborough United go up against statistically League One’s best defence, that being Portsmouth, who have conceded just 32 goals in 38 games.
It’s a huge game at the top of the table with both sides still holding great chances of achieving automatic promotion. A win for Portsmouth would take them three points closer to the League One title and with just eight games remaining this season, they’re in a healthy position with a five point gap to second.
Peterborough sit nine points behind the table toppers, but significantly have a game in hand. Winning the title would be some feat, especially given the current gap but they’re not out of it yet. At this point though, they may have more realistic ambitions of finishing second.
Furthering that, Derby County in second host Bolton Wanderers in third on Saturday in what is a pivotal week for the top four. Both teams will go into this with confidence, partly due to the fact that they also know that at least one of second or third will be dropping points.
On paper, this should be one of the games of the season and it will hopefully live up to the hype surrounding it. By no means will it finish the promotion picture, but it does have a serious impact on it.
Here’s how two of The Real EFL writing team see the game panning out…
“It’s arguably the most exciting weekend of the League One season so far with all of the top four playing one another. As a result both teams will be well up for this one.
For Portsmouth it’s a real chance to stamp their authority at the top of the table and prove that they are still the best team in the league. A win on the road would be huge for their promotion chances but they’ll know that the task at hand is by no means easy.
Peterborough have superbly bounced back from a five match winless run by putting five consecutive wins on the board. They look back to their best and have scored 14 goals during that spell, conceding just four.
I’m expecting fireworks in this one and both sides have the quality across the pitch to go up this season. In this particular match though, I think they’ll cancel each other out, which they could both potentially be content with.
Peterborough United 2-2 Portsmouth
“Peterborough may have won by a two-goal margin on Wednesday night, but the victory against Stevenage was anything but comfortable. With a potential penalty not being awarded, and Stevenage able to create a good amount of chances whilst limiting the amount Posh could create, the result could have easily gone the other way. There will therefore be worries from that game coming into a huge clash against the current league leaders.
Pompey were able to put a disappointing attacking display against Blackpool behind them when they earned a well-fought 2-1 victory at home in midweek. If they are able to replicate some of the goalscoring feats they have shown throughout the season, then there is no reason why they can’t get the victory here. The worry for this will be Peterborough’s ability to create chances from few openings and their ‘clinicality’ in front of goal, however, I see the away side just edging this one.”
Peterborough United 2-3 Portsmouth
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