There is only goal difference currently separating Pompey and Fleetwood in the League One standings ahead of tonight’s Fratton contest. The hosts are one position higher than their opponents in sixth, with both clubs among a group of five on 59 points in a congested promotion race. Sunderland – a member of that bunch – are also in action this evening, with the sides knowing that victory would take them level on points with Rotherham in second spot. Kenny Jackett’s troops are looking to protect their unbeaten home league record and secure an eighth successive south coast victory. But the Cod Army are enjoying a fine run of form and head to Fratton Park on an 11-match unbeaten run. That includes Saturday’s goalless draw with rivals Blackpool, while they won at Ipswich in their last game on the road. It will be the third meeting between the clubs in 2020, with the previous two taking place at Highbury. Pompey triumphed 2-1 in the third round of the FA Cup in January, while Fleetwood edged a windswept league contest just over a fortnight ago. A goal from Oli Hawkins was enough to settle the most recent home meeting last season, which saw Nathan Sheron dismissed for Town late on. TEAM NEWS Ben Close is a major doubt for Pompey, with the midfielder injuring his ankle in Saturday’s defeat at Peterborough. Ellis Harrison missed that game due to the birth of his first child, but was back training on Monday and available for selection. Christian Burgess completes his two-match ban after collecting 10 yellow cards, while Bryn Morris is not ready to be considered for first team duties. Fleetwood have no new injury concerns, with Callum Connolly – who scored the winner against Pompey last month – shaking off a knock to play at the weekend. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 5 wins Fleetwood: 3 wins 0 draws At Fratton Park Pompey: 2 wins Fleetwood: 1 win 0 draws TICKETS Pompey fans can secure their seat online here or by visiting the Anson Road ticket office. If you are coming to the game, please read the EFL guidance concerning the coronavirus outbreak. OFFICIALS Referee: Darren Drysdale Assistants: Christopher Husband and Kevin Howick Fourth Official: Justin Amey BETTING Pompey are the evens favourites with Sky Bet to secure all three points, while the visitors are available at 14/5.
Tonight Pompey started off in 6th, went down to 7th in the 16th minute, the equaliser in the 36th sent them 5th and moments later rose to 4th, courtesy of Bristol Rovers going ahead against Sunderland. Coventry are laughing. Game in hand on everyone else and 2 wins clear. 83 will give them the Championship, runner-up, 79?
If you looked on twitter, you'd think the draw was the end of the world and we were mathematically out of contention for promotion, it's ridiculous considering we're just 2 points off second and Fleetwood aren't a bad side. The behaviour of fans on twitter kinda puts me off supporting this club...
2-2 draw was very disappointing as far as i'm concerned. Unfortunately, Fleetwood as usual, were time wasting and cheating from the kick-off. Typical Joey Barton side, holding on to our players whenever we were in possession of the ball, and slowing down play whenever they could. Each goal kick / free kick / throw in was delayed as long as possible, except for when they were trailing 2-1, when they did the opposite !! Horrible side with extremely poor support. **They only had 65 supporters there last night out of a total attendance of 16,775.** Superb headed goal from Sean Raggett, but at the other end, oh boy, don't we miss Christian Burgess. At least he will be back on Saturday against Accrington Stanley. ** Apologies, I exaggerated, they only had 64 fans there !! **
I'm concerned that if we do get promoted the owners won't make the required investment and we'll get some serious beatings. Also think if we don't get promoted the support will begin to turn on the owners.
Final Match Stats:- Home Team: Portsmouth .........Away Team: Fleetwood Possession: Home 52% Away 48% Shots: Home 9 Away 9 Shots on Target: Home 2 Away 6 Corners: Home 5 Away 10 Fouls: Home 13 Away 18
As It Stands:- ........Team ..........P GD Pts 1 Coventry ........34 18 67 2 Rotherham .....35 23 62 3 Oxford Utd .....35 24 60 4 Portsmouth ....35 17 60 5 Fleetwood ......35 13 60 6 Peterborough .35 28 59 7 Sunderland .....36 16 59 8 Wycombe ........34 ..5 59 9 Doncaster ........34 18 54 10 Ipswich ..........36 10 52
Maybe. I could never abandon Portsmouth, but I might be disinclined to go to games. Not that I go to that many due to living on the other side of the country.
