The crucial eight-match period under-fire Portsmouth boss Kenny Jackett simply has to deliver

Rochdale, Shrewsbury and Wigan were all being considered as sides who're unlikely to finish outside the bottom half of the table before a ball was kicked – and that's what early results have also suggested.

Yet the Blues’ start to the campaign has been lacklustre, at best. They've laboured to accrue just two points, with attacking displays, in particular, being a major worry.

As a result, Kenny Jackett has come under more pressure among fans. The Pompey boss was already under fire after last season's play-off semi-final defeat to Oxford but support for him has continued to detract.

The Fratton Park hierarchy are aware of fan dissatisfaction and concerned themselves about how the Blues have begun.

But while it is too early to sack Jackett, he's undoubtedly entering his most important period in the PO4 driving seat.

Pompey have eight matches in October as Jackett faces the challenge of turning around supporters’ feelings towards him.

Should the Blues fail to make drastic improvements then surely the ex-Wolves supremo’s position will come under further review.

Jackett knows he’s under pressure to deliver and must find the formula to transform both Pompey and his own fortunes.

Here’s a look at the crucial games approaching.

Burton (a) - October 3

When Pompey last visited the Pirelli Stadium, they were still in the hunt for League One automatic promotion.

Matt Clarke's last-minute winner on April 19, 2019 sparked wild celebrations among the players and travelling Fratton faithful behind the goal as the Blues picked up a 2-1 win.

Kenny Jackett's men will again be desperate for another success off the bank of the River Trent – this time for different reasons.

Burton have been tipped to struggle this season by some, especially after Nigel Clough stepped down as boss due to the financial impact of the Covid-19 outbreak.

Jake Buxton's taken his first managerial job on board, with the Brewers registering one win and two defeats in their opening three games.

In truth, nothing short of a victory will do for Pompey.

Southend (a) – October 6

Things often go to plan for Pompey in the EFL Trophy, so Kenny Jackett will surely take some solace from that.

By the day of the clash at Roots Hall, it'll have been 1001 days since the Blues lost in the competition they're holders of and have a final against Salford still to be arranged.

Southend remain a club in a crisis after being relegated last season and have lost their three opening games in League Two.

It'll be intriguing whether the boss will ring the changes or play a strong side to get them into a winning rhythm.

Regardless of who features, another three points is the minimum requirement.

MK Dons (h) - October 10

On the day that a protest for Kenny Jackett to be sacked is planned, the pressure will certainly be on to quell any disgruntled fans who turn up outside Fratton Park.

The Dons have been fairly ambitious in the transfer market this summer. They recruited former Derby skipper Richard Keogh and Scott Fraser – a playmaker plenty of Blues fans clamoured for.

Russell Martin's side have made an even worse start than Pompey to their League One campaign, though. They've lost to Crewe and Lincoln, as well as drawing at Doncaster on the opening day.

Should Pompey fail to win then it's likely those who do turn out to protest will stick around for long after the final whistle.

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Doncaster (h) - October 17.

Darren Moore will relish his return to Fratton Park, having spent two years at the club during his playing day, but will be eyeing up a victory nonetheless.

Rovers have started the campaign in sound form, collecting seven points from their opening three matches.

It's been on the offensive where they've impressed, scoring eight goals so far.

This could be the Blues' first game against a side that can realistically be considered a promotion rival.

Gillingham (a) - October 20

Steve Evans had an overhaul at Priestfield this summer, but that hasn't stopped his side from making a decent start.

After a curtain-raiser defeat to Hull, the Gills have picked up wins over Wigan and Blackpool.

Gillingham will be aiming to build on their 10th-place finish last term and will believe they should be considered play-off contenders.

Another tricky game Jackett will have to get things spot on.

Sunderland (a) - October 24

This will be considered as Pompey's first real heavyweight clash of the season.

Both clubs have been in League One for far longer than they've wanted and will lock horns for the eighth time in three campaigns.

The Blues have lost two and drawn one of their past three trips to the Stadium of Light.

Another tight and heated affair is likely, even with the absence of fans from the stadium.

A defeat might be palpable if Pompey put in a solid and encouraging performances.

However, meek performance against the Black Cats will be a cause for concern.

Northampton (h) – October 27

The newly-promoted Cobblers have made a satisfactory start to the season, garnering four points from three games.

However, they're a side who really need to be put to the sword by Pompey with the minimum of fuss.

Charlton (h) – October 31

Lee Bowyer will be hoping for several new faces through the door before the transfer window closes.

The Addicks' off-the-field problems have been well documented but Thomas Sandgaard completed his takeover last week.

Charlton have won one and lost two so far but signings such as Ben Watson highlight they want an immediate return to the Championship.

The Addicks have won their past two visits to Fratton Park. It’ll be a huge ending to the period for Jackett.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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