Latics Speyk to Pompey

This Saturday Wigan Athletic entertain Portsmouth at the JJB hoping to get back to winning ways

In the run up to the game I managed to speak to Vital Portsmouth editor pompeyrug and asked him a few questions about Portsmouth, the Latics and Saturdays match, lets see what he had to say

How long have you been a Portsmouth supporter pompeyrug?

Well I was born and raised in Leigh Park - a great area! - but left Pompey at quite a young age.

I always followed them but could not afford to actually go and watch them until the mid 90s.

Are you pleased with your start to the new season?

Without doubt as apart from the Arsenal game we have basically played well in all the games and we are still 5th even though we have played all the big 4.

How's life under Harry?

Fantastic! He is the reason we are still even in this league and he is the only man that could have saved us in 2005/06.

He can frustrate me at times but I would not swap him for anyone.

Are you happy with your summer signings?

I certainly am - being greedy I might have wanted another striker, but we will get him in January. My bet has always been Defoe...

Who should the Latics fans watch out for in the Portsmouth team?

The whole team are playing with confidence so it is tough to single anyone out.

I really like Niko Kranjcar, so watch out for this fella, but if big bad John Utaka turns it on he could rip you to pieces.

How do you feel Portsmouth will do this season?

I can only see us building on last season. How we cope with the African Nations will be important - but if we can get through this period okay then my prediction of anywhere between 4th and 7th is possible.

How do you feel the Latics will do this season?

I think you will do okay mate - being honest I thought it could have been a bit tougher than it has been, but you have played well.

If you had to pick one of the current Latics players to be in your squad who would it be and why?

Honestly, without being disrespectful I do not think I would take anyone. You have good players but I do not think any would improve us?

I do like Jason Koumas and if the Emile Heskey that showed up for England recently could play every week he would be a fine asset to anyone.

Who do you think will finish in the top 4 and bottom 3 this season?

The top 4 will probably be the top 4 as usual, with Arsenal and United out in front.

If Chelsea or Liverpool drop off - not that I am expecting this - then you never know Pompey could play champions league football.

The bottom 3? I really don't know - I would have to say Derby will be one of them, but the battle at the bottom will probably be as tight and interesting as the one at the top end.

Prediction for Latics Vs Portsmouth ?

I reckon that our troubles with travelling are changing.

We have won our last two away games - three including the league cup game at Burnley - so with confidence sky high, so long as players return from international duty fit and well we could make it a hat-trick.

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