Pompey are back on the road this weekend, as they visit Accrington following successive Fratton fixtures. They will be soon be racking up plenty of miles, with a trip to Bradford and the FA Cup clash with Maidenhead following on the next two Saturdays. First up is a match at the Crown Ground, however, as Kenny Jackett’s side look to continue their excellent away record. But they can certainly expect a tough test against a team that have adapted quickly to life in the third tier. John Coleman’s men upset the odds to not just secure automatic promotion last term, but then go on to claim the League Two title. Stanley currently sit fourth in the standings – eight points behind the Blues – and their only home defeat to date was at the hands of Gillingham on the opening day. And prior to a loss at Luton in their last outing, the Lancashire outfit had won six out of seven games in all competitions. Goals from Matt Clarke and Kal Naismith secured a 2-0 Pompey victory when the sides last met in February 2017, although they were beaten 1-0 in their most recent trip to Accrington. TEAM NEWS Dion Donohue is expected to be out for a month after suffering a hamstring injury against Burton on Tuesday evening. Tom Naylor serves a one-match suspension having collected five bookings, with Andre Green (knee) the only other absentee. Accrington winger Jordan Clark is banned, while the hosts are also missing Seamus Conneely (groin) and Harvey Rodgers (knee). HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 6 wins Accrington: 2 wins 4 draws At Accrington Pompey: 2 wins Accrington: 1 win 3 draws
I obviously want us to win and get promoted this season, but if we were to lose to any time, AS would be it. I would love to see them get into the Championship, little Accrington with their 4000 capacity ground rubbing shoulders with Villa and Leeds and Notts Forest. It would be glorious. So I hope they lose today, but get promoted at the end of the season.
please log in to view this image Four changes for #Pompey at Accrington, with Burgess, N.Thompson, Close and Evans all starting please log in to view this image 6:00 AM - 27 Oct 2018 from Accrington, England
Jamal Lowe with a shot on target, wins a corner. 9th minute. Ben Thompson with a bicycle kick just wide, from the corner kick.
Attempt saved. Billy Kee (Accrington Stanley) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. 16th minute.
Attempt saved. Ben Thompson (Portsmouth) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
Great play from Pompey !! Gareth Evans shoots, ball blocked, bounces free and another shot from Oli Hawkins goes over the bar. 22nd minute.
Billy Kee (despite having been "badly fouled" ) manages to take the penalty himself, and Craig MacGillivray rightly saves the shot. 33rd minute
