'Pompey need two wins from next four home games'

Portsmouth's fixture list away from home has been very tough so far.

They've picked up just one win but have collected a number of creditable draws and once again last week at Swansea showed they are very much up for the fight.

The key to surviving in the Championship though will be improving their home form. Only QPR have taken fewer points at home so far. Pompey simply must start winning there or staying up will be beyond them.

You can hide behind there being "no easy games" in the second tier but the next four teams to visit Fratton Park - Bristol City, Norwich City, Coventry and Swansea- are unlikely to be automatic promotion contenders.

Draws are all well and good but two wins from those four should be the minimum target.

There are currently four teams on 18 points. That pack looks tantalisingly reachable but Pompey haven't ever been able to get within one win of that bunch.

Psychologically being within three points of safety would be a big help.

We all know how busy the Christmas fixture list is.

Two rearranged matches in January make it a relentless two months coming up for Pompey which ends with four home matches in 15 days.

Fratton Park needs to be a horrible place to visit by the end of that period.