Lincoln City manager Michael Appleton has insisted that Portsmouth are in a false position in the League One table ahead of the clash between the two sides tomorrow evening.

The Imps will travel to Fratton Park on Tuesday night looking for their second win since Appleton took charge of the club, against a Portsmouth side who have struggled so far this campaign.

Pompey finished fourth in League One last season, just three points outside the automatic promotion places, and also won the EFL Trophy at Wembley.

Kenny Jackett's side have made a slow start to their new campaign in League One though and are currently 18th in the table, just one point above the relegation zone.

However, Lincoln boss Appleton, who replaced the Cowley brothers in charge at Sincil Bank last month, has insisted that Pompey are in a false position in the league table and has insisted that it's only a matter of time before they get their season back on track.

Appleton insisted that it's vital that Lincoln take advantage of Pompey's slow start to the season when the teams meet at Fratton Park tomorrow.

“Portsmouth are probably in a false position when you look at their players and their performances,” Appleton told the club's media.

“It’s only a matter of time before it clicks for them and they’ll be a force when it does. We have to use the fact that they aren’t in a great place to our advantage.”

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The Verdict

I think Appleton is right. Portsmouth are a good side and they only just missed out on automatic promotion last season, and despite their underwhelming start to campaign, there's still plenty of time for them to turn things around.

They've got some very good players in their squad and an experienced manager in Jackett, I think it's only a matter of time before they get their season back on track.

However, as Appleton says, it's absolutely vital that Lincoln are able to use Pompey's slow start to their advantage and try to capitalise on that tomorrow night.