Our prediction for this League 1 match:
High-flying Wycombe will be aiming to extend their winning run to four games when they face Portsmouth in an eagerly-awaited League One game on Friday. The Chairboys were producing excellent displays before the international break, but, as things stand now, they will find it hard to secure a top-six finish. As Wycombe have little to play for in the season finale, home win should not be considered. Defender Kane Vincent-Young and forward Brandon Hanlan are both sidelined with injuries, while midfielder Josh Scowen is pushing for a start.
The Pompey, on the other hand, are eager to retain top position in the standings. The league leaders showcased their worth in a hard-fought 1-0 win over Peterborough and we predict that they are going to give fans yet another reason to celebrate on Matchday 41. As for the visitors, all Alex Robertson, Terry Devlin, Joe Morrell, Tom Lowery, Regan Poole and Tom McIntyre remain in the treatment room, but Tino Anjorin should recover in time to face the Chairboys.
Highlighted Player (Sam Vokes):
Sam Vokes began his professional career at Bournemouth and after scoring 16 goals in 54 appearances for the Cherries, he moved to Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2008. He signed a four-year deal contract with the Wolves, but was quickly sent on loan to Leeds United. After spending enjoying loan stints with Bristol City, Sheffield United, Norwich City, Burnley and Brighton, he signed a permanent contract with the Clarets for a fee of £350k.
Sam Vokes impressed in the 2013/2014 Championship campaign, with the Wales international scoring 20 goals in the process. He was struggling with injuries in the 2014/2015 Premier League campaign and, as a result, he failed to find the net for Burnley in 15 appearances in the English top flight. Vokes found his best form in the 2015/2016 season and thanks to his 15 goals the Clarets returned to the English elite division.
Sam Vokes was born and raised in England, but his grandfather was born in Wales and, as a result, he made his debut for the Dragons on 28 May, 2008 in a 1-0 win over Iceland. Vokes helped Wales reach the Euro 2016 semi-finals, scoring in the 3-1 quarter-final win over Belgium.
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.