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Vital Champions League
Ahead of the Tuesday night match, Michael Appleton focussed on the trip to Portsmouth during his press conference.
Portsmouth - No new injury problems. The knock Brennan Johnson took on his ankle versus Northampton related more to a pre existing injury and isn't serious. Whilst a little light numerically, The Imps travel with a strong squad available. Playing Saturday to Tuesday helps momentum when the side is winning which is why MA wanted the Gillingham game to be on, as against Northampton during the early stages it looked like a team that hadn't played for ten days.
The Opposition - "We are going to have to play at our best or close to our best to try and win on Tuesday"
The long trip to Portsmouth doesn't allow much time but MA is not unduly concerned on the basis that most preparation relating to matters such as patterns of play are established pre season. Noting Portsmouth's heavy defeat to Hull in their last home game, MA fully expects more of a backlash than if it had been a closer result. Portsmouth will be hurting and Imps will find out in the first 20 minutes. He will make sure The Imps are ready to compete or 'we' will find ourselves a goal or two down.
It's a Different Imps side this time - In the reverse fixture Portsmouth faced a Lincoln side decimated by injury to key players notably the centre halves and number 4 position (Liam Bridcutt). For that game the Imps had lost the partnership of Lewis Montsma and Joe Walsh who had been very effective in the preceding games. This time around the experienced duo of Adam Jackson and Joe Walsh plus Liam Bridcutt are available.
MA sees having those three experienced players as a massive boost as they will be able to help the younger players gain confidence to start the game well. If Imps do the side are capable of winning the match.
"It will be very, very different in terms of what Portsmouth are going to come up against".
A marker for the season - "It will be a good indication if we are more than capable of staying where we are". The Imps must concentrate on ensuring they maintain their consistency to date.
"If we get enough positive results over the next four or five games it's going to be very difficult for me to try and down play something".
MA reiterated that the squad are way ahead of where he expected them to be pertaining to points garnered and their development. In part it is down to good recruitment but very hard work and the ability of the players to take on information are big factors. Having gotten into this position MA commented that having had a 'taste' Imps want to stay there as long as possible.
EFL Trophy draw - MA recognised that Imps have a very tough draw with Hull going so well and top of the league. It remains a great opportunity as the one competition that every team entering each year thinks they can win.
"Hull are on fantastic form. It's going to be very, very difficult but we're more than capable of doing it".
Portsmouth - No new injury problems. The knock Brennan Johnson took on his ankle versus Northampton related more to a pre existing injury and isn't serious. Whilst a little light numerically, The Imps travel with a strong squad available. Playing Saturday to Tuesday helps momentum when the side is winning which is why MA wanted the Gillingham game to be on, as against Northampton during the early stages it looked like a team that hadn't played for ten days.
The Opposition - "We are going to have to play at our best or close to our best to try and win on Tuesday"
The long trip to Portsmouth doesn't allow much time but MA is not unduly concerned on the basis that most preparation relating to matters such as patterns of play are established pre season. Noting Portsmouth's heavy defeat to Hull in their last home game, MA fully expects more of a backlash than if it had been a closer result. Portsmouth will be hurting and Imps will find out in the first 20 minutes. He will make sure The Imps are ready to compete or 'we' will find ourselves a goal or two down.
It's a Different Imps side this time - In the reverse fixture Portsmouth faced a Lincoln side decimated by injury to key players notably the centre halves and number 4 position (Liam Bridcutt). For that game the Imps had lost the partnership of Lewis Montsma and Joe Walsh who had been very effective in the preceding games. This time around the experienced duo of Adam Jackson and Joe Walsh plus Liam Bridcutt are available.
MA sees having those three experienced players as a massive boost as they will be able to help the younger players gain confidence to start the game well. If Imps do the side are capable of winning the match.
"It will be very, very different in terms of what Portsmouth are going to come up against".
A marker for the season - "It will be a good indication if we are more than capable of staying where we are". The Imps must concentrate on ensuring they maintain their consistency to date.
"If we get enough positive results over the next four or five games it's going to be very difficult for me to try and down play something".
MA reiterated that the squad are way ahead of where he expected them to be pertaining to points garnered and their development. In part it is down to good recruitment but very hard work and the ability of the players to take on information are big factors. Having gotten into this position MA commented that having had a 'taste' Imps want to stay there as long as possible.
EFL Trophy draw - MA recognised that Imps have a very tough draw with Hull going so well and top of the league. It remains a great opportunity as the one competition that every team entering each year thinks they can win.
"Hull are on fantastic form. It's going to be very, very difficult but we're more than capable of doing it".
