Our prediction for this League 1 match:
All eyes will be on the New Lawn when Forest Green and Portsmouth square off against each other in the League One round 15. The Green Army aim to escape the relegation zone, but they will have a big fish to fry in Saturday’s showdown against the promotion-chasing visitors. Bailey Cargill should be recalled to the starting XI after coming as a substitute in the EFL Trophy triumph over Exeter, as well as fellow defender Harry Boyes.
The Pompey, on the other hand, are eager to put an end to their four-game winless run in the League One. Even though midfielder Marlon Pack is sidelined through suspension, away win should be considered as Forest Green have already suffered five defeats at home this season. This will be the first encounter between the two sides in the English third tier.
Highlighted Player (Ben Stevenson):
Ben Stevenson is a product of a Coventry City football academy who plays for Colchester United as a midfielder. Born in Leicester on March 23, 1997, Stevenson started his senior career at Coventry City and made his debut with the Sky Blues on August 9, 2016, in the League Cup game against Portsmouth.
The English footballer moved to Wolverhampton in the 2018/2019 season, but he did not see any game action in the league with the Wolves. After ending his loan spells with Colchester United and Jumilla, Ben Stevenson signed a permanent two-and-a-half year contract with the U’s on January 30, 2019. He made his second debut for Colchester United against Northampton Town on February 2, 2019.
His primary position is central midfield, but he is capable of producing good performances as a defensive midfielder as well. His preferred foot is right, and he wears the number 24 shirt at Colchester.
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.