please log in to view this image For the second league game in succession, Pompey are preparing to face a side that have not tasted success this season. Shrewsbury are currently only being kept off the foot of the table by last week’s vanquished Fratton visitors Plymouth. Having narrowly missed out on automatic promotion last term and then lost at Wembley in the play-off final, the Shropshire side underwent drastic changes. Manager Paul Hurst left for Ipswich and took star players Jon Nolan and Toto Nsiala with him to the Championship. There have been several other departures, including, of course, goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray’s move to the Blues. New boss John Askey has so far overseen two draws and four defeats in League One, although they have not been beaten by more than a single goal. The Shrews can take heart from the fact that they have won each of the past five meetings between the teams. But Pompey will be hoping to end that unwanted record as they chase a fourth successive home league win – something they have not done at the start of a season in 16 years. TEAM NEWS Pompey will be without the injured duo of Anton Walkes (groin) and Jack Whatmough (hamstring), but Oli Hawkins (hamstring) could be available. Top scorer Ronan Curtis also misses out, as he is away on international duty with Republic of Ireland under-21s. James Bolton (hamstring) and Abo Eisa (knee) will be absent for Shrewsbury, but Josh Emmanuel could make his debut.
please log in to view this image Ronan Curtis started for R.O.I U21's tonight. Wore the number 9 shirt, and scored their equaliser in a 1-1 draw at Kosovo. He scores yet again !!
This is a game we all know we should comfortably win on paper. However, the game is being played on grass, so I hope confidence isn't replaced by arrogance. Don't start thinking 'we only have to turn up to win'
Who Will be in for Ronan? Wheeler? Green? Interesting. It is wonderful to see the growing understanding between Ronan, Jamal and Hawkins in their link-up play.
View image on Twitter please log in to view this image please log in to view this image Portsmouth FC ✔ @officialpompey please log in to view this image Here's the #Pompey team for today's match against Shrewsbury 2:00 PM - Sep 8, 2018 · Portsmouth, England
View image on Twitter please log in to view this image please log in to view this image Shrewsbury Town Official ✔ @shrewsweb MATCHDAY: The Town team that takes on @officialpompey this afternoon in the @SkyBetLeagueOne , Lee Angol is missing as he is due to become a father very soon #salop #BlueAmberArmy 2:00 PM - Sep 8, 2018