The pessimist in my head wonders if, after such an incredible win over the league leaders, we'll go and bloody lose tonight
Pompey will look to take another step closer to securing Championship survival when they host Plymouth this evening (7.45pm kick-off). John Mousinho's men moved 10 points clear of the drop zone following their stunning victory over league leaders Leeds at the weekend. But their next opponents are currently rooted to the foot of the table and searching for a spark to turn around a poor run of form. Things looked pretty positive when Argyle thrashed Millwall 5-1 exactly one month ago, just a few days after they had ended Liverpool's quadruple hopes by causing an almighty FA Cup upset. But they have failed to win since and that run included three games against fellow strugglers – with draws against Luton and Cardiff followed by a defeat at Hull. A 3-0 Home Park loss to Sheffield Wednesday on Staturday leaves Miron Muslić's side six points adrift of safety and with the worst goal difference in the division. Despite a largely dominant Blues display, however, they did triumph 1-0 when the sides met in Devon back in November. And the three most recent contests at Fratton Park have all ended in 2-2 stalemates, with Pompey's last victory coming under Kenny Jackett in September 2018. TEAM NEWS Rob Atkinson (calf), Ibane Bowat (knee), Jacob Farrell (knee), Paddy Lane (knee), Callum Lang (hamstring), Hayden Matthews (ankle), Conor Shaughnessy (hamstring) and Jordan Williams (hamstring) are all currently sidelined. Alexander Milošević is available after receiving international clearance, but is unlikely to feature as he builds towards full match fitness. The visitors are without the suspended Adam Randell, while Brendan Galloway (leg) and Muhamed Tijani (hamstring) are both injured. VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM Read the thoughts of John Mousinho ahead of the big game. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 28 wins Plymouth: 28 wins 18 draws At Fratton Park Pompey: 18 wins Plymouth: 10 wins 8 draws Last Home Meeting Pompey 2 (Koroma, Hackett) Plymouth 2 (Raggett (og), Ennis) League One September 17 2022 TICKETS Tickets have sold out, but the ticket exchange will remain open until two hours before kick-off. Click here to read our matchday guide and find out what is happening around the ground ahead of the game. OFFICIALS Referee: Matthew Donohue Assistants: Paul Hodskinson and Mark Stevens Fourth Official: James Bell Donohue last took charge of Pompey when drew 0-0 with Sheffield United at Fratton Park back in September, showing two yellow cards to the hosts and one to the visitors. He has taken charge of 22 games so far this season, booking a total of 86 players and sending four for an early bath. MATCH COVERAGE Supporters in the UK can watch the game live via the Sky Sports+ app. Those based overseas can see all the action on Pompey+, either through a monthly/annual subscription or by purchasing a match pass. The matchday show is live before the game for Pompey+ subscribers and overseas fans with a video subscription/match pass. George Wedlake will be joined by Andy Awford and Paul Hardyman in the Fratton Park studio, while Callum Lang will also make an appearance. Fans can get involved by sending messages and voicenotes to our Pompey+ WhatsApp channel* on +44 7457 413694 or via this link. Please note that the half-time and post-match shows are only available to watch for fans in regions where the game is being shown live on Pompey+. Audio commentary from Andrew Moon and Guy Whittingham is available for Pompey+ subscribers or those who purchase an audio subscription/match pass. Click here for more details about using Pompey+, including the answers to some frequently asked questions. Locally-based fans who are not going to the game can listen, as always, via BBC Radio Solent or Express FM (not available online). *Please note that the WhatsApp service is only for sending messages to appear on the matchday show. The club will not be able to reply to any messages.
Pompey are unchanged this evening, with a strong looking subs bench. Should be a good match, and hoping for a win tonight!
Plymouth Argyle Starting Line Up:- Number21, C. Hazard Number5, Julio Pleguezuelo Number25, N. Katić (c), Number40, M. Talovierov Number17, T. Puchacz Number18, D. Gyabi Number4, J. Houghton Number29, M. Sorinola Number9, R. Hardie Number14, M. Obafemi Number15, M. Bundu Substitutes:- Number28, R. Al Hajj Number19, M. Boateng Number8, J. Edwards Number31, D. Grimshaw Number35, F. Issaka Number2, B. Mumba Number3, N. Ogbeta Number6, K. Szűcs Number11, C. Wright
Half time 0-1. Goal from Bundu gives Argyle the lead. We have had majority of possession and chances, but they are defending for their lives in vast numbers, and somewhat aggressively at times! Can see Kusini Yengi coming on in the second half, as it's probably his kind of game.
Half Time Match Stats:- Overall possession Portsmouth 78.6%Plymouth Argyle 21.4% Shots Portsmouth 7Plymouth Argyle 4 Shots on target Portsmouth 1Plymouth Argyle 2 Total touches inside the box Portsmouth 11Plymouth Argyle 6 Goalkeeper saves Portsmouth 1Plymouth Argyle 1 Fouls Portsmouth 5Plymouth Argyle 9 Corners Portsmouth 4Plymouth Argyle 0
Plymouth have 'parked the bus' as they say playing a very defensive half of football. Pompey have had an almost dominant amount of possession but have not been able to create clear cut chances. Plymouth then scored a very good goal on the break just before half time to take a lead. We can expect a lot more of the same in the second half . Even if we get a goal back Plymouth will defend a point rather than take chances. Aouchiche has achieved much more involvement than he has in previous games. PUP
Final whistle. 1-2 to the away team. We had 80% possession, but the greens just parked the bus. When Sorinola got red carded in the 86th minute, I thought we would get back into the game, and Adil Aouchiche scored a lovely goal in the 89th minute to pull one back. With 11 minutes added on, that was the time Our head coach really should have brought on Kusini Yengi with his extra height in place of Colby Bishop, but for some reason decided against such a move. Must say the Cohen Bramall who came on as a substitute for Marlon Pack really looked sharp with intelligent runs and some excellent crosses.
Final Match Stats:- Overall possession Portsmouth 80.2%Plymouth Argyle 19.8% Shots Portsmouth 16Plymouth Argyle 6 Shots on target Portsmouth 3Plymouth Argyle 3 Total touches inside the box Portsmouth 20Plymouth Argyle 8 Goalkeeper saves Portsmouth 1Plymouth Argyle 2 Fouls Portsmouth 13Plymouth Argyle 15 Corners Portsmouth 7Plymouth Argyle 0
That's typical Pompey. Beat the team at the top of the table then lose to the team at the bottom. All in all, from a 'glass half full' perspective, we expected to lose to Leeds then beat Plymouth so we still got three points from the two games Never a dull moment being a Pompey fan
