How new Met Office weather warnings could affect Portsmouth vs Sheffield United – Will another game be postponed?
Portsmouth are at risk of seeing yet another game postponed after new weather warnings were issued.
The Met Office have released weather warnings for the weekend, with countless games across the UK at risk of disruption.
Pompey already had their clash with Ipswich Town postponed last week, after the pitch at Fratton Park became waterlogged.
Sheffield United lost 2-1 to Middlesbrough on Monday and will come into the game hoping to bounce back.
Portsmouth are battling relegation from the Championship, and will hope to secure a vital three points if the game goes ahead.
Met Office releases country-wide warnings
Several games have been postponed up and down the UK this year already, with severe weather conditions providing a constant threat.
Freezing temperatures and unrelenting rain have caused widespread disruption and flooding, resulting in countless games being called off.
Officials have been tasked with keeping a constant eye on the skies, and the task will be the same this weekend.
The Met Office have released warnings covering much of the UK, including a yellow caution for ice, which features prominently in the south of England.
Portsmouth is expected to fall just outside of the area of impact for now, but those planning to travel should keep a close eye out, with the situation set to develop.
Scotland and parts of Northern England have been issued with warnings for both snow and ice, with much of Northern Ireland also warned against ice.
What John Mousinho has said about potential postponement
Fratton Park suffers from its position when it comes to rainfall. The South of England is hit by plenty of rain, and it is not always possible to prevent the flooding.
Officials will be paying close attention to the conditions inside the stadium and out, with the safety of the surrounding roads to be taken into consideration as well.
Speaking on Wednesday, Pompey boss John Mousinho said: “The game isn’t in doubt, as things stand at the moment.
“That’s because we’ve had a couple of days where it’s dried out. Today is a dry day, so as far as I’m concerned, I’m preparing for the game to be on.”
“The staff are working hard and I think the pitch will be fine, but it’s just about how much rain we get,” he added.
Unfortunately, Mousinho’s words came before the latest weather warnings were issued, with concerns about the game’s likelihood to go ahead now mounting.