‘Whoever loses is getting relegated’: Huge Portsmouth v Oxford United billing as EFL experts deliver survival verdict
Pompey sit one point above the relegation zone ahead of Monday’s huge showdown with relegation rivals Oxford United.
Monday’s huge showdown with Oxford United is a ‘winner takes all’ clash in the fight for Championship survival.
That’s the no-nonsense verdict of George Elek from the respected Not The Top 20 podcast, who is adamant the loser of the Fratton Park contest will be relegated this term.
The gruelling Easter schedule continues for the Blues tomorrow as they take on one of their main relegation rivals just days after their hard-fought draw against Norwich City on Good Friday.
One point remains the difference between Pompey and Oxford United, who are both bidding to avoid a dreaded return to League One after two seasons away.
A win for the Blues could lift them as many as four points clear of the bottom three, while maximum points for the U’s would lift them outside the danger zone.
Although six games remain for Mousinho’s side to secure their second-tier status after Monday’s showdown, it’s a winner takes all clash in the eyes of Elek, who has highlighted the importance for both sides.
Huge Pompey v Oxford billing ahead of survival showdown
And the NTT20 host believes the Blues need to find a timely return to form after a ‘catalogue’ of errors has cost them in the Championship this term.
Speaking in the build-up to the Easter Monday clash, he said: ‘As a fan it’s a bit of a winner take all clash, although takes all but might still lose it all later in the season as Oxford United take on Pompey at Fratton Park on Easter Monday. It just feels huge.
‘I’ve said it before but I feel whoever loses is getting relegated and it’s hard to make a case as to why that won’t be the case.
‘Key players around the park are struggling for form (for Pompey). Colby Bishop hasn’t had it all season, Conor Chaplin hasn’t had it all season, Josh Murphy wasn’t as good as he was last season but won’t be coming back before the end.
‘It’s a been a catalogue of errors, some bad luck, some bad judgement and Pompey need to find a way to turn it around.
‘After the QPR game, there was a lot of talk about Mousinho and his position, it feels like it will be Mousinho to take Pompey down if they do go down.
‘It doesn’t seem like there’s any agreement in the club itself over the fragility of his position and understandably so.’