Duncan Barkes

And it's those things that we're expecting.

The work rate and also the telling passes.

Passes going forward.

Passes not necessarily splitting the defence.

That's very difficult to do in the Championship because...

The defences are so well organised and they're blanket defences.

But creating opportunities is one of the things that we believe he is a little bit special at and we want to see plenty of.

Along with actual assists and, of course, a few goals would be nice.

Let's hope John Massino is right on two counts.

One, that he's staying.

And two, that his season is ahead of him.

With the upcoming Sheffield Wednesday game being of such importance, when we collared Steve Bone for his usual weekly round-up and look-forward, I asked him whether I dared ask him for his usual prediction for the upcoming game.

Dare I ask the Sheffield Wednesday score?

And you can hear the whole of Steve's piece variously on Pompey Sound, if you listen digitally, or you can download the podcast, go to Pompey Sound Podcasts, and I think his current one is headlined Steve Welcomes Millie and Nesta.

His predictions are well worth following because from time to time, and sometimes too often for comfort, uncannily, he is spot on.

Not only with the results, that's one thing, but he gives correct scorelines.

And 1-0 to Pompey at Sheffield Wednesday is probably worth a flutter.

Gamble responsibly.

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