Our prediction for this League 1 match:
There will be fireworks when Ipswich Town and Portsmouth, the two promotion-chasing sides face each other at Portman Road on Matchday 38. The Tractor Boys faced no difficulties in a midweek win (2-0) over Lincoln, but they need to keep on impressing if they are to book their place in the playoffs. Kayden Jackson should continue to lead the line for the hosts after finding the net in each of the last two league fixtures, while both Kyle Edwards and Lee Evans remain in the recovery room.
The Pompey, on the other hand, have been producing excellent displays of late, with the team eyeing their fourth consecutive league win. The opposition defenders should have George Hirst at bay as the 23-year-old forward scored a brace in a 3-1 win over Crewe, while Marcus Harness is in the middle of his three-game ban. Anyhow, the two teams seem to be evenly matched ahead of Saturday’s derby.
Highlighted Player (Vaclav Hladky):
Born in Brno on November 14, 1990, Vaclav Hladky is a Czech footballer who plays for Scottish Premier League club St Mirren as a goalkeeper. Hladky spent his youth career at the likes of FC Sparta Brno, FK Sardice, and FC Zbrojovka Brno, and he continued playing for the Zbrojovka Brno reserve team at the senior level.
The 192-cm-tall shot-stopper played for the likes of MSK Breclav (loan) Sparta Brno, FK Sardice, FC Zbrojovka Brno (senior team), and Slovan Liberec before signing a contract with St Mirren. The Czech goalkeeper made his Scottish Premiership debut on January 23, 2019, in a 4-0 loss at Celtic.
Hladky played for the Czech Republic youth teams as well, but he has yet to earn a call-up for the Czech Republic senior team. Vaclav Hladky wears the No. 1 shirt at St Mirren, and his preferred foot is right.
Highlighted Team (Portsmouth):
During Milan Mandaric’s era at the club, Portsmouth played an important role in the Premier League, with the team finishing their debut season (2003/2004) in the 13th position in the standings. The club impressed in the 2008/2009 season, with Nwankwo Kanu’s goal helping them beat Cardiff City in the FA Cup final.
As a result, Portsmouth represented England in the Europa League, with the team progressing in the group stages of the competition thanks to a win over Vitoria Gimaraes in the final qualifying round. The current club was formed in 2013, but the original amateur club was founded back in 1883. Nowadays Portsmouth host their rivals at Fratton Park, with the venue holding up to 20,620 spectators.
The likes of Sol Campbell, David James, Glen Johnson and aforementioned Nigeria international Nwankwo Kanu are considered one of the club’s most notable players. Portsmouth wear blue shirts, white shorts and red socks when hosting their rivals at Fratton Park, while wearing white and blue colours when playing on the road.