Portsmouth reasons to be cheerful among predictions of mediocrity (but I'm rarely right)

Apparently it is the start of the season this weekend. To me, it feels like it started weeks ago. Or was that just the end of the old one? I’m lost already.
Steve Bone's going out on a limb longer than Peter Crouch's with his Pompey prediction for this seasonSteve Bone's going out on a limb longer than Peter Crouch's with his Pompey prediction for this season
Steve Bone's going out on a limb longer than Peter Crouch's with his Pompey prediction for this season

Anyhow, given that this weekend has brought the opening games in the Premier League and Football League, it would be remiss of me not to share with you my thoughts on which teams are going to do what.

We’ll start with Pompey.

Plenty seem convinced we’re in for a mediocre season and, after the insipid end to the 2019-20 campaign in the play-offs, I can understand the mix of apathy and negativity that seems to be prevalent.

But the more I think about it, the more positive I am.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

We’ve not lost too many from the 19-20 squad that went so close to the prize despite a slow start, and we now seem to be making some useful additions.

Pompey, for many years, (in fact, you could argue, throughout their whole existence) have been at their best when they’ve been written off or when expectations have been low.

So I’m going out on a limb so long it must be one of Peter Crouch’s and predicting we will finish... second.

It’s the best way of avoiding more play-off misery, isn’t it? And despite some saying League One will be much harder to get out of this season, I’m not so sure it will. Here’s hoping.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In the Premier League, I think Man City will win the title, with Liverpool, Chelsea and Man Utd behind them in that order. I’m tipping Palace, Fulham and Burnley to go down, Cardiff

to win the Championship, Oxford to take League One and Tranmere League Two.

Please note: I am rarely right.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

Thank you for reading this story. The News has launched a new subscription offer which gives you unlimited access to all of our Pompey coverage.

You can subscribe here to get the latest updates from Fratton Park, transfer news and expert analysis from our team of Pompey writers.Every subscription helps us continue providing trusted, local journalism on your behalf for our city.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.