There’s only five games to go before Pompey’s 2023-24 League One season comes to a close. The Blues are red-hot favourites to return to the Championship as they boast a five-point lead at the top of the table, with a game also in hand on second-pllaced Derby. They also sit nine points clear of third-placed Bolton, who they travel to on Saturday, April 13.
Nevertheless, nothing is being taken for granted at this late stage in proceedings, with plenty of football still to be played.
Others do like to make predictions, though. So here’s how FootballWebPages’ so-called supercomputer sees the race for promotion and survival at the other end of the table following the division’s latest set of results.
5. 20. Cheltenham Town
Cheltenham are predicted to avoid the drop with 44 points and 11 wins in total. | Getty Images
6. 19. Shrewsbury Town
Shrewsbury are predicted to drop two further places by the end of the season, ending the campaign on 47 points. Photo: Pete Norton
7. 18. Cambridge United
Cambridge are predicted to rise one more place by the end of 2023/24, securing 51 points in total. | Getty Images
8. 17. Reading
Despite their points deduction of six points, Reading are set to finish out of the drop zone and safely in 17th place with 52 points. Photo: Pete Norton/Getty Images