Portsmouth boss John Mousinho reckons their clash with Wanderers has all the ingredients to be a cracker – and hopes his side can rise to the occasion.
In front of the television cameras, the top two teams in League One are getting ready to battle at Fratton Park.
Mousinho believes that the Whites’ style will “lend itself to an exciting game” because of his impressions of Ian Evatt’s team.
“They are a side that has been together for a while now with a really distinctive playing style,” he said on the club’s YouTube channel.
“They are definitely deserving of where they have been in the league table this year – a really excellent side, putting a few teams away by a good margin as well.
“There is a lot to dissect when we watch Bolton and look at how to set up against them. I think the best way to put it is they are an excellent side and we have got to be right at it to make sure we compete on Monday.
The Pompey manager went on, “I think it will be an exciting game because Bolton wants to play and they play some really good football.”
“Looking back, I felt that the game against the other team in February at Fratton Park was outstanding.
“I thought it was a hard-fought game with a lot of good football in there as well, but we came out on top late in the game.” I anticipate a comparable situation involving two parties who have since made progress.
Wanderers faced Harrogate in the FA Cup last weekend, while Portsmouth defeated Northampton 3-0 to reclaim the top spot in the table.
Mousinho continued, “We look forward to every single game.” “We eagerly anticipate home games because
“I think that adds to everything on Monday night – the fact it’s on TV, under the lights, first versus second. I think all these things will make for a fantastic atmosphere and we are really looking forward to it.”
Top-scorer Colby Bishop will not be involved against the Whites, but things could have been much worse for the forward after injuring his ankle.
“The second opinion was just to rule out anything longer term, which we have managed to do,” the boss explained.
“We are still looking at about three or four weeks, which is a good outcome for Colby considering the severity of how he turned his ankle at the time.
“Tom Lowery is back in full training, he was back at the end of last week but having a full week under his belt has been really positive. Anthony Scully has returned to full training, (Friday) was his first day back, ready and available.”
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