Jackett targets top-two spot

Published on: 22 March 2019

Portsmouth boss Kenny Jackett is refusing to look too far ahead but is adamant that his side can still clinch an automatic promotion spot.

Pompey's recent victory against Scunthorpe United closed the gap on second-placed Barnsley to just four points and they are 7/5 to beat Shrewsbury Town on Saturday. The Shrews are 5/1 to be relegated from League One while Portsmouth are 10/1 to finish in the top two.

Jackett said: "As far as you can, you have to prepare for one game at a time. All of your energy has to be focused on the next one.

"But when you look at the big picture, it does change slightly because we're going to need a high number of points from the 24 that are still available. We've crept into the 70s now in terms of points and know that, if we want to go up, we'll need to be around 90.

"We're four and nine points respectively off the sides that are currently second and first, so we have to keep pushing and know it's still possible."

Shrewsbury reached the League One play-offs last season but have struggled this term and are in danger of sliding into the fourth tier of English football.

Jackett added: "The bottom half of the season is so tight - it's unbelievable. There are a number of teams that will need points on the board sooner rather than later. We understand Shrewsbury will be fighting for their lives, but have to show our quality and it's an opportunity for us to keep pushing for those promotion places."

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Portsmouth boss Kenny Jackett is refusing to look too far ahead but is adamant that his side can still clinch an automatic promotion spot.

Pompey's recent victory against Scunthorpe United closed the gap on second-placed Barnsley to just four points and they are 7/5 to beat Shrewsbury Town on Saturday. The Shrews are 5/1 to be relegated from League One while Portsmouth are 10/1 to finish in the top two.

Jackett said: "As far as you can, you have to prepare for one game at a time. All of your energy has to be focused on the next one.

"But when you look at the big picture, it does change slightly because we're going to need a high number of points from the 24 that are still available. We've crept into the 70s now in terms of points and know that, if we want to go up, we'll need to be around 90.

"We're four and nine points respectively off the sides that are currently second and first, so we have to keep pushing and know it's still possible."

Shrewsbury reached the League One play-offs last season but have struggled this term and are in danger of sliding into the fourth tier of English football.

Jackett added: "The bottom half of the season is so tight - it's unbelievable. There are a number of teams that will need points on the board sooner rather than later. We understand Shrewsbury will be fighting for their lives, but have to show our quality and it's an opportunity for us to keep pushing for those promotion places."

Source: bet365.com

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