Ahead of the final eight games of the EFL Championship season, we take a look at the teams fighting with Portsmouth to retain their second tier status for next season.
24th - Plymouth Argyle
Despite a huge win at Fratton Park, Argyle still find themselves at the foot of the table. That away victory was followed up days later with a home defeat to relegation rivals Derby County.
Since Miron Muslic replaced Wayne Rooney at the helm, the Green Army have seen an up to run in results, but have struggled for consistency. They have been dealt a huge blow with news that January signing Maksym Talovierov is now likely to miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury.
With games still to come against promotion chasing sides Sheffield United, Middlesbrough, Coventry and a final day encounter at home to Leeds United, the Devon outfit have it all to do.
23rd - Luton Town
Seven points from the last four games have kept Matt Bloomfield’s men in the mix to avoid the drop.
The Hatters begin the run in with a crunch clash this Saturday lunchtime at Hull City. They are also still to play Stoke City and Derby County before the climax of the season.
Undoubtedly, there is quality in this Luton side, having retained the majority of the team that competed admirably in the Premier League last season. Goalscoring has been a season long issue, so Carlton Morris and Elijah Adebayo will have to find their shooting boots to provide the firepower to make the difference.
22nd - Derby County
The Rams chalked up three successive victories leading up to the final international break of the season. After a slow start since joining from Blackburn Rovers, John Eustace has his side firing in front of goal, as they notched seven goals, including three away at Home Park.
Former Blues man Marcus Harness has impressed of late, finding his best form. He is not the only ex-Pompey player aiding the push to stay up, with Matt Clarke adding some much needed steel to the Derby backline since his arrival in January.
The run in sees them visit Fratton Park on April 12th, as well as games against Luton, Hull and Stoke to come. Derby County arrive at the final furlong as the in-form team and certainly ones to watch.
21st - Cardiff City
Following the extremely disappointing loss at home to Luton Town, The Bluebirds were able to bounce back with a hugely important three points away at Ewood Park prior to the fortnights break on fixtures.
The Welsh outfit have shipped far too many goals this season, the second highest in The Championship, so will need to shore things up at the back to give themselves a shot at surviving.
With home fixtures to come against Sheffield Wednesday, Stoke City and Oxford United, how they perform in their own surroundings will be pivotal.
20th - Stoke City
It’s been a tumultuous campaign on and off the pitch at The Bet365 Stadium with four different managers taking the reins throughout the season. Following his departure at Coventry City, Mark Robins arrived to steady the ship, but as of yet he hasn’t had the desired impact that supporters of The Potters had hoped for.
With one win in their last six, Robins men need to change their fortunes very quickly.
Season defining home outings against QPR, Luton and Sheffield Wednesday will have a huge say on what league they ply their trade in next season
19th - Hull City
The Tigers have only one defeat in their last seven league fixtures, giving their season a shot in the arm and elevating them out of the drop zone.
Home comforts have been hard to come by for Ruben Selles, with only four wins at The MKM Arena all season. The club invested heavily during the winter transfer window, throwing all their financial might behind retaining a place in the next Championship campaign.
Much like Pompey, they will hope to have done all the work necessary to ensure there isn’t too much riding on the trip down south on the final day of the season.
18th - Oxford United
Following the appointment of Gary Rowett after the dismissal of Des Buckingham, The U’s catapulted themselves away from the drop zone.
After the initial electric start under new stewardship, a run of nine games without a win dragged them back into the mix at the base of table. They did however secure a vital home victory over Watford just under a fortnight ago, maintaining a four point buffer above the dotted line.
On paper they arguably have the trickiest set of fixtures to navigate between now and the seasons climax. With Middlesbrough, Sheffield United, Leeds and Sunderland all to come in the next eight games. They will need all of Rowett’s expertise and experience to guide them to safety.
Pompey Live returns this Saturday with all the unmissable action, as Portsmouth entertain Blackburn Rovers at Fratton Park. Live coverage from 2pm as Jake Smith is joined by Kirsty Roxanne & James Wilson
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