Match Day Thread Fleetwood v Pompey - FA Cup 3rd Round

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Pompey have been hovering just outside the League One play-off places for a number of weeks now.

But attention switches away from a battle for promotion this weekend, as they make the long trip north to face Fleetwood in the third round of the Emirates FA Cup (5.31pm kick-off).

They have yet to face their opponents from the same division this term, with November’s scheduled league contest postponed because of international commitments.

It means that this clash will be the first of three meetings taking place in the space of a little over nine weeks.

There could be even more if a replay is required, while both sides also remain in the Leasing.com Trophy.

The Cod Army are currently one point – and two places – above the Blues in the League One standings, having played one game fewer.

Joey Barton’s side reached this stage of the famous old competition with away victories at Barnet and Crawley, but have never made it to the fourth round.

There have been only six previous competitive contests between the teams and Pompey have won each of the past four encounters with an aggregate score of 12-4.

The most recent one – which occurred just over a year ago – saw the Blues battle from behind before ultimately securing a comfortable 5-2 triumph.

TEAM NEWS
Pompey could hand a debut to left-back Steve Seddon following his arrival on loan from Birmingham.

Ryan Williams is still absent after injuring his groin in the Boxing Day victory over Wycombe at Fratton Park.

Ross McCrorie (hamstring), Lee Brown (Achilles) and Brandon Haunstrup (meniscus) are also sidelined.

Bryn Morris (groin) is still in the treatment room, while Jack Whatmough is not yet ready for selection following his knee problem.

Fleetwood will be without midfielder Jordan Rossiter (knee), while Peter Clarke, Jimmy Dunne and Ashley Hunter have all departed in the past few days.

HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 4 wins
Fleetwood: 2 wins
0 draws

At Highbury Stadium
Pompey: 2 wins
Fleetwood: 1 win
0 draws

TICKET NEWS
Pompey fans will be able to buy tickets at Fleetwood on the day of the game.

Away supporters are welcome in Jim's Bar at the ground, which opens from midday and will be showing live spot.

OFFICIALS
Referee: Marc Edwards
Assistants: Graeme Fyvie and Alan Clayton
Fourth Official: Thomas Parsons

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Pompey or Fleetwood will be ball number 27 in Monday's evening's draw for the fourth round.

All third round fixtures are kicking-off one minute later to encourage fans to ‘Take A Minute’ and think about looking after their mental health.

BETTING
Fleetwood are the 5/4 favourites with Sky Bet to progress on the day, while Pompey can be backed at 19/10.

 

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Fleetwood

• 1 Alex Cairns
• 2 Lewie Coyle
• 5 Ashley Eastham
• 6 Harry Souttar
• 3 Danny Andrew
• 8 Kyle Dempsey
• 15 Paul Coutts
• 7 Wes Burns
• 11 Josh Morris
• 17 Paddy Madden
• 9 Ched Evans

Substitutes

• 10 Conor McAleny
• 13 Matthew Gilks
• 27 Harrison Biggins
• 28 Jack Sowerby
• 32 Harvey Saunders
• 33 James Hill
• 34 Gerard Garner

 

Match kicks off......

 

Attempt missed. John Marquis (Portsmouth) header from the right side of the box is close, but misses to the left. 3rd minute.

 

Andy Cannon with a fierce shot just wide of the post. 17 minutes.

 

Attempt saved. Marcus Harness (Portsmouth) left footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the top left corner. 30 minutes.

 

Shot from Paddy Madden saved by Alex Bass. 33 minutes.

 

Attempt blocked. Ronan Curtis (Portsmouth) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 33 minutes.

 

Good play from Ronan Curtis as he puts John Marquis through on goal, with his shot blocked by a defender. 35 minutes.

 

Attempt blocked. Marcus Harness (Portsmouth) right footed shot from a difficult angle on the left is blocked. 36 minutes.

 

Sean Raggett (Portsmouth) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul on Wes Burns. 39 minutes.

 

Attempt missed. Harry Souttar (Fleetwood Town) header from the centre of the box is just a bit too high. 41 minutes.

 

Free kick for Pompey from Steve Seddon, headed narrowly over by Sean Raggett. 43 minutes.

 

Marcus Harness free kick headed over by a defender. 44 minutes.

 

Ched Evans booked for fouling Marcus Harness. 45 minutes.

 

Half time whistle. 0-0 scoreline.

 

Half-Time Match Stats:-

Home Team: Fleetwood ......Away Team: Portsmouth

Possession:

Home 52%
Away 48%

Shots:

Home 2
Away 8

Shots on Target:

Home 1
Away 1

Corners:

Home 5
Away 2

Fouls:

Home 5
Away 4

 

Second half kicks off.