Crystal Palace, Leicester City and QPR figure offers ‘fantastic’ verdict on Pompey’s League One promotion credentials

Ian Holloway, an experienced manager in the EFL, has projected that Pompey would advance from League One. With pride, John Mousinho’s team leads the table with six points over nearest rival Peterborough United.

Mousinho, who recently marked his 50th game in charge, has enjoyed an incredible start to his career as a football manager. Despite doubts about his selection, the 37-year-old has won over a frequent promoter in the near year he has spent leading Fratton Park after Danny Cowley.

Holloway, a former football manager at QPR, Blackpool, and Crystal Palace, thinks Pompey will make a comeback to the Championship in 2023–2024. Despite the fact that supporters are accustomed to false dawns and have been in this situation before, Holloway does not see them making any mistakes between now and the end of April.

In an interview with Genting, Holloway stated, “It’s one hell of an achievement, Pompey being six points clear at the top.”

“I was taken aback when John Mousinho was hired by a team the size of Portsmouth. To be honest, I did have a scratch on my head. I would like to be the manager of this club because the patrons are always there and never go away.

It’s amazing to be that consistent in such a fiercely competitive league. The Christmas season is when things could get difficult. You’re concerned about tickets, suspensions, and injuries.

“Are they going to survive this crucial stretch of intensely competitive matches? I don’t see any reason why they can’t, barring injuries or punishments. However, their track record of discipline is excellent. Right now, they have every advantage going for them.

“A few hiccups are inevitable, but I don’t see them going away. I find them to be excessively polished and well-groomed in their work. They are playing incredibly well, so it’s not chance.”

Pompey’s next game is against Fleetwood Town, a struggling team. Although a win would see them surpass the 50-point mark at almost halfway through the season, a Christmas number one has already been assured. Conversely, Fleetwood finds itself in third place from the bottom, three points outside of safety, and only an improbable victory would see them escape the relegation zone.

Holloway made a prediction for the match on Saturday and thinks the league’s winning streak will hold.

Holloway continued, “I can see them defeating Fleetwood at home.” By the peculiar goal, perhaps. Fleetwood 2-1 Portsmouth.