Gareth Evans' view on rivals and Portsmouth's automatic promotion chances after watching Coventry defeat Sunderland

The Blues favourite views the top two spots in League One as within his team’s grasp, as they aim to move a giant step closer to the automatic slots to go up this weekend at Peterborough.

And Evans admitted he doesn’t see a lot to be fearful over among the raft of sides in a congested top eight positions in League One.

The 31-year-old watched Coventry defeat Sunderland on Sunday afternoon, and nothing came out of the clash at St Andrews to leave the long-serving midfielder thinking Kenny Jackett’s men are inferior.

Evans said: ‘The autos are there to be taken.

‘I watched the Coventry v Sunderland game on Sunday and I wasn’t blown away by either of those sides.

‘We feel we’re as good as anyone in this league and the automatic promotion places are there for us.

‘It may well be it’s the play-offs, but I really don’t see why we can’t get into the automatic places.’

The next challenge for Pompey to keep Peterbrough’s considerable attacking might under wraps against the division’s top scorers on Saturday.

Success against Darren Ferguson’s side would continue powerful league form over an extended period, with the Blues collecting 45 points from a possible 63 over 21 games.

It’s also eight wins from 10 in League One, but Evans knows there can be no let-up if the top two is to be reached.

He added: ‘The lads have been doing really well in the league.

‘We just need to try to continue that form and go to Peterborough now.

‘We need to play as well as we can there if we’re going to get three points and get ourselves into those automatic promotion places.’