It does not seem too long ago since Pompey and Fleetwood last clashed in a battle for points. And, well, that is because it wasn’t – with the Blues having only played one league match since the pair faced off at Fratton Park before Christmas. That game finished goalless and was a pretty fractious affair, with the hosts then having their next three fixtures postponed due to a mixture of Covid-19 and the weather. A lot has changed for the Cod Army since that bad-tempered evening on the south coast just over four weeks ago. They dismissed Joey Barton as manager, despite the club sitting just three points outside the play-off places in 10th position. Youth team boss Simon Wiles was handed the reins on an interim basis, but his only game in charge to date was Tuesday evening’s Papa John’s Trophy defeat at Hull. They led that tie 2-0 with just 12 minutes remaining, only to concede three late goals to exit the competition. Fleetwood have drawn their past three league matches – a run that started at Fratton Park – and are now sitting 11th, looking to close the six-point gap to Pompey having played a game more. Kenny Jackett’s side were beaten 1-0 in last season’s corresponding fixture, although did win 2-1 at Highbury in the FA Cup. TEAM NEWS Ronan Curtis is currently self-isolating after testing positive for Covid-19, but will hopefully return to training on Sunday. Alex Bass (calf) and Paul Downing (hamstring) are the only two players currently in the Pompey treatment room. Fleetwood handed a debut to Blackburn loan keeper Joe Hilton earlier in the week, with Alex Cairns self-isolating after suffering Covid symptoms and Joel Coleman injured. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 5 wins Fleetwood: 3 wins 2 draws At Highbury Pompey: 3 wins Fleetwood: 2 wins 0 draws OFFICIALS Referee: James Bell Assistants: Richard Bartlett and Matthew Bristow Fourth Official: Sebastian Stockbridge BETTING Pompey are the 27/20 favourites with VBET to secure all three points, while the hosts can be backed at 85/40.
We need a win! It will be difficult, and what the pitch is like I have no idea. It will test the hamstrings!!
Half-time, and it's 0-1 to Pompey. Fleetwood Town have played their usual scrappy football. Nice headed goal from John Marquis from a Ryan William's cross from the right, in the 16th minute. Jack Whatmough received a yellow card in the 35th minute for a foul.
Half-time Match Stats:- Home Team: Fleetwood ...........Away Team: Portsmouth Possession: Home 62% Away 38% Shots: Home 8 Away 4 Shots on Target: Home 2 Away 1 Corners: Home 1 Away 2 Fouls: Home 4 Away 8
Final whistle goes, and it's a nice 0-1 scoreline to Pompey ! Well deserved win, a clean sheet, and three more points added to our total.
Final Match Stats:- Home Team: Fleetwood............Away Team: Pompey Possession: Home 64% Away 36% Shots: Home 14 Away 8 Shots on Target: Home 4 Away 2 Corners: Home 5 Away 2 Fouls: Home 11 Away 15
A much needed win. I noticed all the teams below us down to Sunderland also won. I don't t think any team will get above 85 points this season, but perhaps 75 will be needed to make the.play-offs.
