7th plays 8th at St James’ tomorrow, as we entertain Pompey, just one place ahead of us in the table in what should be a close game. We caught up with ‘Pompey Paddy’ of the ‘Fratton Faithful’ website (www.portsmouth-mad.co.uk) to get the view from the South Coast on tomorrow’s encounter.

1. How have your performances been so far this season?
Generally we’ve been solid from what I’ve seen, and sometimes we add a cutting edge to it.

2. Have any of your summer signings particularly impressed you so far?

Distan is an incredibly graceful footballer and a joy to see in our colours, Utaka has the makings of a very potent player, and Papa Bouba Diop has settled in very quickly.

3. What’s the latest on your stadium redevelopment?

It will be done in twenty-elevnty-six and not a moment sooner!

4. Where do you realisticly think Portsmouth will end up this season?

Sixth or seventh

5. And where abouts do you see Newcastle finishing?

Again, sixth or seventh, if Owen and Viduka play most games.

6. Who do you think is going to win the league this year?

Man U to win it, with Arsenal to go close.

7. And your tips for relegation?

Derby, Boro and Brum

8. We’ve got a big derby match against Sunderland next week, how do you feel about your rivalry with Southampton? - would you like to see them promoted so you can resume the games, or are you happy to see them below you?

I’d love the derbies, but in an ideal world they would go down every season too!

9. What do you consider to be the strengths and weaknesses of the Portsmouth team?

We now look very solid a lot of the time, but have also tended to look a little short on invention on occassions.

10. Which Portsmouth players should we look out for?

Utaka, Niko, Taylor (if he plays) and a fit again Kanu.

11. Who do you consider to be Newcastle’s dangermen?

Owen - Lethal finisher.

12. Finally, what’s the score going to be?

1-1

Our thanks to Paddy.