Wigan Athletic boss aiming for Pompey repeat

Almost four years ago, Sheridan took his Notts County side to the south coast to play a side managed by Paul Cook and Leam Richardson and featuring Gary Roberts and Kal Naismith.

And despite the odds being stacked against them, a backs-to-the-wall effort brought a 2-1 victory against one of the favourites for promotion.

Oh, for the same again this weekend.

"We rode our luck that day, but we got the result," acknowledged Sheridan, who is looking for his first league win since taking charge of Latics earlier this month.

"Portsmouth ended up getting promoted that year, they were a very good team.

"We had to defend but you have to defend at places like that.

"We needed the points and we ended up coming away 2-1 winners."

It's been a tough baptism of fire for Sheridan, since assuming control barely 24 hours before the league opener.

"We couldn't have had two harder or longer games to start with on the road - Ipswich and Portsmouth," he recognised.

"Two teams who should be up there at the end of the season, so it's very tough for us.

"But we'll go to Portsmouth and I want to try and be positive, we'll have confidence thinking we can get a result."

Portsmouth themselves could do with a win to kickstart their campaign.

"They're strong, they're organised and they don't let many goals in," said Sheridan.

"They haven't scored too many so far, but Kenny Jackett's sides are always very well organised.

"It's a tough place to go, always a great atmosphere - although there won't be any fans there this time.

"A very tough game but also a winnable game as far as we're concerned.

"They're after their first win, as are we, and we'll go into the game believing we can win."