Portsmouth boss delivers view on port rivalry and size of Plymouth as a club

The two old foes prepare to lock horns for the first time in 21 months, as Jackett’s men go to Home Park on Monday for the televised port battle.

The clash will stir memories of some lively encounters after the Pilgrims knocked Pompey out of the play-offs in 2016, before the Blues dramatically lifted the fourth-tier title on the

final day 12 months later.

In recent years, the clash has been billed as a derby in some quarters - a notion largely rejected by the Fratton faithful along with many Argyle fans.

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Jackett can see how an edge developed between the clubs before his arrival as Paul Cook’s successor.

That may have dissipated to some extent, but the Pompey boss is still expecting a lively meeting.

Jackett said: ‘Rivalries are sometimes long-standing traditional rivalries, which are quite often geographical.

‘But then rivalries can build up if sides are in the same divisions as each other for a period of time and, say, both are going for promotion in that season.

‘Those rivalries build up and can spark a lot of interest.

‘That’s good, and the more interest inside the game the better it is.

‘The sides haven’t played each other for a year or so, but it will be keenly contested.

‘Both sides will be trying to capitalise on their league position and it’s a TV game, which is a great showcase for both sides.

‘It’s one we should all look forward to and want to give a good account of ourselves in.’

Jackett had words of praise for Plymouth’s start this season, with Ryan Lowe’s side unbeaten on their own patch in the league.

The Pompey boss knows a win, against a club he respects in terms of stature, will make it seven on the bounce on the road - equalling the run of Harry Redknapp’s Premier League team in 2007.

Jackett added: ‘Plymouth are five wins and a draw at home, which is a terrific home record after coming up.

‘They’ve been the best of the promoted sides so far, and are in a good position themselves to attack the promotion places.

‘They’ll be very pleased with their start after coming back up into League club, and are a genuinely big club in their own right.

‘If you’re looking, Plymouth have done well in League One in previous seasons.

‘There was a season when they slipped out, but they’ve followed it up with a good promotion and, so far, started their season well.

‘They’re a big club in their own right and, after the start they’ve made, be looking to follow it up because they’re in a good position.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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