Portsmouth manager Kenny Jackett has said that the South Coast derby is one of the best in English football ahead of his side’s clash with vicious rivals Southampton in the EFL Cup tonight.
Portsmouth head into tonight’s game on a poor run of form which has left them in 20th place in the League One table, but manager Kenny Jackett has said that he is heading into tonight’s South Coast Derby in search of a boost.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Jackett said that he is hoping that the electric home atmosphere can help spur on his players as he looks forward to a game that could prove to be a catalyst to turn around their poor form.
“We’ve beaten two Championship sides to get through to this round and now we’ve got a big tie against a Premier League club.
“There’s obviously the added incentive of it being a local derby and that should only enhance what is already a very good atmosphere. This fixture hasn’t been contested for a number of years and that should add another edge to proceedings.
“There is obviously a line that shouldn’t be crossed and I’m sure all of the supporters are aware of that. But it’s a definite advantage for us to be at home and we have to make sure that we give a good account of ourselves.
“There are many derbies that are played all around the country and Portsmouth v Southampton is right up there among the best. It’s got a big reputation.
“We want to be finding some form because we haven’t really done ourselves justice so far this season.
“I think we’ve been in every game and had chances, but one win out of seven in the league isn’t where we want to be.
“So we want to keep improving our performances and this game can be a catalyst, although we can’t wait for things to turn – we have to make it happen.”
