It is arguably the biggest game of the season so far in League One – and one that is certainly deserving of the Sky Sports cameras being present. The KCOM Stadium hosts a clash between Hull and Pompey this evening (5.30pm kick-off), as the sides sitting first and second respectively in the table lock horns. Victory for Kenny Jackett’s side would see them rise above their opponents to the summit, although it would not quite guarantee a Christmas number one. That is because sixth-placed Doncaster are only a couple of points behind the Blues and have a game in hand to be played next Tuesday. Whether first or second, though, a win for Pompey would certainly ensure a much-needed raising of festive spirits back on the south coast. Grant McCann’s Tigers finished bottom of the Championship last season, with defeat at Cardiff on the final day condemning them to the drop. They had been sitting just outside the play-off positions following a win on New Year’s Day, but the final 20 fixtures brought a solitary win. That run ensured Hull kept plummeting down the standings, with the low point an 8-0 hammering suffered at the hands of Wigan. But they stopped the rot at the beginning of the current campaign and were enjoying some fine form before the past two matches brought consecutive defeats to Shrewsbury and Blackpool. Chris Maguire and Joel Ward were on target as Pompey won 2-0 at Fratton Park when the sides last met for a Championship fixture at Fratton Park in 2011. TEAM NEWS Lee Brown is the only absentee for Pompey, with the full-back continuing to be sidelined by a hamstring injury. Jack Whatmough is out due to illness. Hull will be without Alfie Jones (hamstring), Callum Jones (hamstring) and Martin Samuelson (calf), while George Honeyman (hamstring) is a doubt. Highly-rated teenage forward Keane Lewis-Potter is not expected to feature, as his contract dispute with the Tigers rumbles on. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 21 wins Hull: 13 wins 20 draws At Hull Pompey: 8 wins Hull: 9 wins 9 draws OFFICIALS Referee: Michael Salisbury Assistants: Shaun Hudson and Philip Dermott Fourth Official: Tom Nield BETTING Hull are the 31/20 favourites with VBET to secure all three points, while Pompey can be backed at 9/5.
Hull City starting XI: Matt Ingram; Josh Emmanuel, Reece Burke, Jacob Greaves, Callum Elder; Regan Slater, Richie Smallwood, Greg Docherty; Mallik Wilks, Josh Magennis, James Scott Substitutes: George Long, Lewie Coyle, Sean McLoughlin, Dan Batty, Hakeeb Adelakun, Keane Lewis-Potter, Tom Eaves
I guess you're using a bit of reverse psychology with yourself there Erik. If that's the result I'll buy you a virtual pint
I do predict a loss every week, but it's because I'm dour and totally lacking in hope rather than any kind of odd superstition.
0-1. Goal for Pompey from Sean Raggett in the 5th minute from a Cameron Pring corner, his 4th of the season. BBC Sport are saying it was an own goal from Hull defender Jacob Greaves
We're utterly hopeless once we've gone behind. It seems to have been the case in the twenty years I've been watching us, even in the years we got promoted. I wonder if the KC is built on an old Cherokee burial ground?
Attempt blocked. Josh Magennis (Hull City) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Regan Slater with a headed pass. 9 mins.
Attempt blocked. Richard Smallwood (Hull City) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Josh Magennis. 9 mins.
Attempt blocked. Ryan Williams (Portsmouth) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 16 minutes.
Attempt blocked. Mallik Wilks (Hull City) left footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked. 20 minutes.
Attempt blocked. John Marquis (Portsmouth) right footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Andrew Cannon. 24 minutes.
Attempt blocked. Greg Docherty (Hull City) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 35 minutes.
