Pompey will look to continue their unbeaten league record on the road when they visit Gillingham this evening (6.30pm kick-off). Kenny Jackett’s side showcased some scintillating attacking play to beat Burton in their last away game, which followed a goalless draw at Rochdale. Their next opponents are currently sitting a couple of places higher in eighth spot, having earned two more points. But the Gills come into the contest on the back of a 2-0 defeat at an MK Dons outfit who were bottom of the table. Prior to that, though, Steve Evans’ men had enjoyed an unbeaten run of four fixtures that included wins over Wigan, Blackpool and Oxford. The Kent side finished 10th last term, having leapfrogged Ipswich when the standings were adjusted for points per game. They have been competing at this level for some time now, having claimed the League Two title in 2012/13. It looked like Pompey were on course for victory in last season’s corresponding fixture on New Year’s Day, but Alex Jakubiak’s late leveller cancelled out a Gareth Evans goal. TEAM NEWS Ellis Harrison is set to be out for at least two weeks after going off with a hamstring injury at the weekend. Gillingham skipper Kyle Dempsey is a doubt with an ankle problem, but Scott Robertson and Matty Willock should both be fit enough to feature. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 19 wins Gillingham: 9 wins 9 draws At Priestfield Pompey: 7 wins Gillingham: 7 wins 4 draws OFFICIALS Referee: David Rock Assistants: Paul Kelly and Alasdair Ross Fourth Official: Charles Breakspear BETTING Pompey are the 10/11 favourites with Sky Bet to secure all three points, while the hosts can be backed at 23/10.
Gillingham 1 Jack Bonham 2 Ryan Jackson 26 Christian Maghoma 35 Declan Drysdale 3 Connor Ogilvie 21 Thomas O'Connor 18 Jacob Mellis 17 Josh Eccles 9 Dominic Samuel 19 Vadaine Oliver 10 Jordan Graham Substitutes 5 JackTucker 11 Trae Coyle 12 Joe Walsh 14 Robbie McKenzie 15 John Akinde 16 Alexander MacDonald 20 Scott Robertson
Attempt saved. John Marquis (Portsmouth) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Michael Jacobs with a cross. 3 minutes.
Attempt blocked. Jordan Graham (Gillingham) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. 4 minutes.
Tom O’Connor attempts a free-kick from the halfway line and almost caught Craig MacGillivray out, a nervy moment. 6 minutes.
0-1 scoreline. Lovely shot from John Marquis gave the keeper no chance. Assisted by Ryan Williams. 14 minutes.
Pompey 2-0 up now. Michael Jacobs with his first Goal for PFC. Assisted by John Marquis with a neat through ball. 17 minutes.
Tom Naylor header hits the inside of the post, and bounces away to safety. Ryan Williams with a cross. 41 minutes.
45 minutes up - 2 minutes added on. Attempt saved. John Marquis (Portsmouth) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Michael Jacobs. 45+1 minutes.