Swindon Town (H) 18th September 2012

Pompey welcome Paolo Di Canio’s men for their second home game in the space of four days following Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Walsall. Swindon’s fans will have started the season in high hopes after winning the NPower League Two title last season and apart from a 0-0 draw against Hartlepool their month of August couldn’t have gone any better if planned. Their opening game saw a 3-0 home win to Gus Poyet’s Brighton and Hove Albion in the Carling Cup First Round and this was followed up with a 4-3 win after extra time to Premiership outlet Stoke City managed by ex-Pompey manager Tony Pulis. In the league there were home win’s against Crawley Town (3-0) and MK Dons (1-0) as Swindon collected seven points out of a possible nine and a place in the Carling Cup third round where they’ll face Eddie Howe’s Burnley.  

September however has seen The Robins form dip and they go into tomorrow’s game without a win in four in all competitions. The month started with a heavy away defeat to Preston North End (4-1) before losing their derby game in the JPT to Oxford United away (1-0). They lost their successive game at home to Leyton Orient (1-0) before drawing their last game away to Carlisle United (2-2).

Historically games between the two teams have never been shy of goals. In 67 competitive games Pompey have scored a total of 102 times to Swindon’s tally of 107. In terms of results Swindon have the upper hand with 26 wins to 23 with 18 draws in total, although Pompey are undefeated in the past five games against Town. The last game between the two sides in March 2000 saw a 4-1 win at Fratton Park.

There’s sure to be a warm reception tomorrow night for the return of Matt Ritchie who was sold by Steve Cotterill for what looks like a bargain fee reported to have been just £100,000. Since his permanent switch to The Robins the player has gone from strength to strength and alongside his NPower Two League winners medal for last season he also collected the NPower Two player of the year award and was awarded the same accolade by Four Four Two magazine. Despite only making seven appearances in a Pompey shirt many fans felt that he was released too early by Cotterill and his performances since his departure have only gone onto strengthen that argument.

Today saw the return of Conor Clifford to parent club Chelsea following the expiry of his one month loan deal and Michael Appleton is assessing the fitness of Burnley defender Kevin Long before deciding whether or not to renew the defenders loan period further. New signing Lubomir Michalik could make his Pompey debut in his place. Jordan Obita is once again available for selection following the completion of his three match ban after his sending off against Oldham Athletic.