Swansea vs Portsmouth postponement latest as Met Office issue double Wales weather warning
Swansea and Portsmouth could be set for a hard-fought battle against the elements as they face off in Championship action on Tuesday evening.
Both teams are in real need of three points in South Wales given their respective struggles in the second-tier so far this season.
Swansea recently appointed Vitor Matos as their new manager after Alan Sheehan’s sacking, and he oversaw his first win in charge last time out as they beat Oxford United 2-0 on home turf.
Portsmouth are facing the threat of relegation this season, with just one victory in their previous nine outings leaving them in the bottom three as it stands.
They have the worst away record in the Championship so far, but will be aiming to put that right against Swansea, with the weather also likely to dictate the flow of the game after a new update.
Met Office issue rain warnings ahead of Swansea-Portsmouth clash
The winter weather has played its part in affecting Championship games recently, with Blackburn Rovers versus Sheffield Wednesday abandoned on Saturday (6 December) due to the pitch being unplayable.
While Swansea and Portsmouth’s clash should not meet the same fate, fans should be advised that the Met Office has warned of heavy rain in the area before kick-off on Tuesday.
The downpour is set to start on Monday evening and continue into the early hours of the day of the game, with some parts of western Wales also issued with a wind warning, as well as rain.
Portsmouth supporters will certainly hope that the game is not called off close to kick-off, given that they will have to embark on a near 378-mile round trip to get the Swansea.com Stadium if travelling from close to Fratton Park.
Swansea and Portsmouth both need wins to move away from Championship relegation zone
Many expected Swansea to climb the table this season after a brilliant end to the last campaign under former boss Sheehan, but they have struggled to do so up to now.
Matos has taken over a side short on confidence, with their win against Oxford lifting them above Gary Rowett’s side into 20th ahead of their hosting of Pompey.
Opta’s supercomputer has predicted Portsmouth to be relegated this season after a poor start to this campaign, with Mousinho’s men currently making up the bottom three in 22nd with 17 points.
They face a tough task on Tuesday, given their dismal away record and Swansea’s recent home victory, and will be hoping that the weather turns the clash into a scrappy affair, which suits their play-style much more than the hosts.