Harrogate Town v Portsmouth
Monday, kick off 19:45
Live on BT Sport 1
Monday, kick off 19:45
Live on BT Sport 1
Pressure to build on Jackett
Monday night's first round tie has the best potential for a shock. Portsmouth haven't quite got going in League One this season, but they have only lost once in nine in all competitions. That defeat came away at AFC Wimbledon (1-0) and there was a fair bit of pressure on manager Kenny Jackett soon afterwards.
Jackett's a good manager and is known for his methodical training drills regarding shape and tactics. But the hard facts are that Portsmouth are only in 13th in League One and have collected just one victory on the road all season. That's not the form of champions - and Pompey were priced up in the ante-post market as one of the favourites to win the third tier.
Weaver doing an excellent job
Harrogate play on a 3G pitch at Wetherby Road, and it's probably something that is made too much of. Good players can play on any surfaces, and they'd rather face a non-league team on a 3G than a quagmire from the old days back in the 1980s. Obviously the hosts will have an advantage, but you cannot be basing a bet purely on that.
What we can base a bet around on the hosts is their excellent manager Simon Weaver. I didn't know an awful lot about him until I watched the brilliant "The Gaffer" documentary on BT Sport. Weaver and Harrogate featured in it, and what struck me about his approach was his thoroughness, calmness and cerebral approach - more modern day manager than a ranter and shouter. It isn't hard to see why he has achieved success at the North Yorkshire club - who sit in 7th place in the National League.
Promotion is a possibility as they are only four points behind leaders Bromley, and they are seeking a place in the Football League for the first time in their 104-year history.
Chance taken on the hosts
Harrogate have conceded just eight in eight at home, and with Pompey scoring just six on the road in League One in seven matches, the Under 2.5 bet would be a realistic proposition. Although we must add a bit of context to that, as the visitors do have some quality players. Ronan Curtis is finding his form again, whilst John Marquis is a fine goalscorer - who has been utilised in a No.10 role.
We have the option of laying Portsmouth again at short odds - and it proved a successful lay last weekend against Oxford. But we'll go with a big swing on the hosts here.
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