Sam Ricketts previews Town's trip to Fratton Park.
Shrewsbury Town are back on the road again this weekend as Sam Ricketts’ men take on Portsmouth at Fratton Park.
Town will be looking to secure all three points against Pompey as Ricketts competes against his former manager Kenny Jackett.
Sam is expecting a tough test from a high-scoring Pompey who currently sit in the top six of the Sky Bet League One table.
“We have a couple of days to get ready and we are doing everything we can to be as prepared as possible,” said Sam. “We haven’t had much training time as it’s been a busy period.
“We can’t do anything about that but we have to keep grinding. Next week is the first time we actually get free time and training time leading up to a game. Pompey are doing really well and recently won nine on the bounce. They are a good side with good players. There is no surprise that they are challenging at the top end of the table. We have to identify how they play and try to use our strengths against them.
“We have done that a number of times this year, so it’s not something we can’t do. We just have less time to prepare physically and mentally for the game. We know we have to play well to get a result.
“We are going away from home and it’s a sell-out crowd – it will be a great atmosphere. It’s a tough place to go and it will be a tough game for us. These are the games and atmospheres you want to play in.
“The first goal is always really important in any game. It either means teams can sit back in and you have to break them down or it means you have something to hold on to.”
“I have an idea of how Portsmouth play but I haven’t been around Kenny Jackett for a number of years. Players change and times change. They will be a well-organised team, hard-working and the team will be full of good characters.
“On the injury front, we are hampered. It’s hard when you are missing some of your best players. Ollie Norburn, Shaun Whalley and now Brad Walker are out – it’s not ideal. It is what it is and we will just have to go again".