Mackay expects a tough game on Saturday

Despite lingering near the bottom of the league, it's clear that Portsmouth's starting XI can mix it with the best in the division, is the message from the gaffer going into Saturday's game.

Portsmouth got their first win of the season a couple of weeks back at the expense of Leicester City with a crushing 6-1 victory at Fratton Park.

That victory was followed up with a win over struggling Bristol City before coming back from two nil down at Middlesbrough to claim a thoroughly deserved point.

"You look at the amount of games their starting XI have played among them and it is massive,"

"They are another team who if they keep their first XI fit then they will be a force to be reckoned with."

Mackay also hailed the massive impact made by new boys Dave Kitson and Liam Lawrence, both of whom have been amongst the goals since arriving on the South Coast:

"In the last couple of weeks they have managed to bring in two very experienced players who have played lots of games at this level, in Liam Lawrence and Dave Kitson, so that helps their situation down there.

"In the first month there was an awful lot of toing-and-froing at the club with the manager unable to do anything about it. But the fact he has managed to bring in these guys has solidified them, especially at home."

Take note lads, the days of Portsmouth rolling over and dying are gone, this one's going to be tough...

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