Stats back up growing Portsmouth promotion optimism with Hull, Lincoln and Charlton approaching

Despite Pompey’s impressive league position, the Fratton faithful are yet to start getting carried away.
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They know only too well of false promotion dawns with more than half a season remaining.

Only two years ago Pompey were hurtling towards the Championship before a second-half collapse.

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However, having moved within a point of the League One summit following Tuesday’s 4-0 thrashing of AFC Wimbledon, it’s hard to deny that optimism of a Championship return is growing.

Levels of performances and recent results have been superb – and all the pertinent stats all stack in the Blues’ favour after 21 matches.

With 37 goals, Pompey are the highest-scoring side in the division.

John Marquis leads the way with 11 efforts in the league, but he's well supported by Marcus Harness (five), Ronan Curtis and Tom Naylor (both four).

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What's more, Ryan Williams (three) is proving more potent in the final third, Michael Jacobs is working his way back towards his best and will want more goals, while Ellis Harrison and Jordy Hiwula are assets off the bench.

Pompey celebrate their win over AFC Wimbledon. Picture: Joe PeplerPompey celebrate their win over AFC Wimbledon. Picture: Joe Pepler
Pompey celebrate their win over AFC Wimbledon. Picture: Joe Pepler

It’s a potent forward threat that can cause problems for any side.

Yet the old adage is goals win games and defences win championships. Nevertheless, at the other end of the pitch, the Blues have arguably been more impressive.

Jackett’s promotion mantra is conceding zeroes and ones, which his side have certainly been achieving after six successive clean sheets.

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Keeper Craig MacGillivray has been beaten just 15 times, while the back four of Callum Johnson, Jack Whatmough, Sean Raggett and Lee Brown have formed a resolute partnership.

As a result, the Blues’ goal difference is plus-22 – which no team in the top four tiers can better.

Meanwhile, a stat that perhaps is flying under the radar – but by no means should be discarded – is how many games Jackett’s men have lost.

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Only four times have Pompey been on the wrong end of a result, the joint-best record along with Sunderland.

And of those reverses, just one has been by more than a solitary goal – which was the 2-0 defeat to Charlton in October.

Perhaps what Jackett will take the most solace from is the Blues’ points-per-game average.

He always stresses two point-per-match is the aim, as it gets you to the magic figure of 90, which more often than not yields an automatic promotion spot.

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Pompey are currently ticking along at 1.95 which, as well as Lincoln, tops every other team.

It’s not just the numbers that are offering buoyancy, though. What is more encouraging is what can be judged on the eye.

There’s swagger and swashbuckle to the Blues these days rather a mechanical attacking style that previously frustrated.

Large sections of supporters who previously bemoaned a lack of entertainment are now expressing their joy of watching this team.

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How fans must wish they were in the stands to witness this change of approach first hand.

The atmosphere would have been palpable for Saturday’s visit of leaders Hull, raucous for second-placed Lincoln’s trip to Fratton Park three days’ later.

This time next week, Pompey could firmly establish themselves in the top two.

It’s hard to deny the Blues are looking like genuine promotion contenders after a stuttering start.

And the rest of League One must privately be fearing Pompey’s prowess.