Our prediction for this League 1 match:
Exeter play host to Portsmouth at their St. James Park on day 23 of the new League One campaign. Both teams sit in the middle of the table ahead of the Boxing Day, meaning that a close encounter is on the horizon. The hosts failed to impress in a 2-0 loss to Bolton, meaning that boss Gary Caldwell should opt to make changes to the starting XI. All Dieng, Sparkes, and Nombe are pushing for a start, speaking of the home side.
The Pompey, on the other hand, suffered a dip in form, with the team losing to both Wycombe and MK Dons in the last two league matches. Portsmouth are eager to keep their playoffs hopes alive, and we are positive that they will take advantage of the current situation in Exeter’s dressing room. As for the visiting side, interim boss and the captain Dean Lewington misses out with a knee injury.
Highlighted Player (Nicky Ajose):
Nicky Ajose is an English footballer who started his youth career at Manchester United. Despite signing a professional deal with the Red Devils, Ajose did not see any game action for the English giants at the senior level. After spending the 2010/2011 season on loan at Bury, the 168-cm tall forward signed a contract with Peterborough United in the summer of 2011.
Nicky Ajose played for the likes of Scunthorpe United, Chesterfield, Crawley Town, Bury, and Swindon Town on loan before joining Leeds United on a three-year deal in August 2014. However, the English striker made no more than three league appearances for the Whites before signing a loan deal with Crewe Alexandra. In September 2015, he returned to Swindon Town, signing a three-year contract with the Robins.
Nicky Ajose played for the likes of Charlton Athletic, Bury (loan), and Mansfield (loan) before moving to his current club Exeter City. The Grecians attacker was born in Bury, England, on October 7, 1991, 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.