Portsmouth boss must achieve managerial first and break curse of Charlton's Lee Bowyer

In a mangerial career spanning more than two decades, there isn’t too much Kenny Jackett hasn’t seen.
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With three promotions, two Football League Trophy triumphs (and another final still to be played) and an FA Cup semi-final under his belt, he's rubbed shoulders with some of the very best.

During his time as Pompey boss, Jackett boasts a win percentage of 52 per cent from 200 games, underlining he’s got the better of plenty of his counterparts.

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The 59-year-old has engineered fine victories over the likes of ex-Blues boss Paul Cook and Norwich's Daniel Farke during his time in the Fratton Park hot seat.

However, there is one supremo who's proven a thorn in Jackett’s side.

And if Pompey are to get their League One promotion charge back on track at Charlton tomorrow, Jackett must find a way to finally outmanoeuvre Lee Bowyer.

Since taking the reins at The Valley in March 2018, Bowyer has an unblemished record when facing the former Millwall chief.

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In four meetings, Bowyer has come out on top on each occasion – and fairly comfortably.

Charlton boss Lee Bowyer. Charlton boss Lee Bowyer.
Charlton boss Lee Bowyer.

The scorelines haven't been significant in Charlton's favour yet their three points have been fully warranted every time.

Particularly in the past two encounters, Jackett could scarcely complain about either result.

The Blues' last trip to The Valley in the 2018-19 campaign ended in a 2-1 loss. However, the home side had 18 shots compared to Pompey's eight and spurned golden chances to make their win more emphatic.

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And in the Fratton Park meeting earlier this season, Bowyer masterminded another straightforward success over his opposite number.

The game could have been so different had Ronan Curtis not blazed over a gilt-edged opportunity from six yards out when it was goalless.

After that, though, the Blues struggled to create anything meaningful despite having 57 per cent possession and 14 efforts on goal.

The away side would muster only three shorts on target – but scored twice via Jonny Williams and Chuks Aneke in a deserved 2-0 win.

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In his first managerial role, Bowyer has indeed had Jackett’s number.

Against the backdrop of defeats to Hull and Lincoln, the Blues could hardly be going to a worse place than The Valley as they bid to get their Championship bid back on track.

Now Jackett must conjure up the game-plan to change that record and ensure his side don't lose any more ground in the promotion race.

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