The fixture gods were certainly not kind to Pompey when they arranged the schedule for this season. And the next challenge in the most testing of starts for John Mousinho’s side is a trip to Burnley on Saturday (3pm kick-off). The hosts were relegated from the Premier League at the end of last season and are determined to get back there at the first time of asking. They have won three of their opening five fixtures, with routs of Luton and Cardiff followed by last weekend’s success at fellow promotion favourites Leeds. There was also a narrow defeat at high-flying Sunderland and a draw with Blackburn in the East Lancashire derby. It has left the Clarets fourth in the Championship standings at this early stage – three points behind leaders West Brom. Scott Parker is the man tasked with keeping them in the leading pack, having replaced Vincent Kompany – who left to take charge of Bayern Munich – over the summer. He will be looking to complete a personal treble, having previously taken both Fulham and Bournemouth back to the top-flight. It has been almost 13 years since Pompey last made the trip to Turf Moor – also for a Championship contest in December 2011. The Blues were relegated amidst a financial crisis that season, but they had an enjoyable afternoon in Burnley, courtesy of David Norris’ stoppage-time winner. TEAM NEWS Ibane Bowat is set for a long spell on the sidelines after injuring his knee, while Mark O’Mahony (foot) and Kusini Yengi (groin) are both out. Colby Bishop is still a long-term absentee following his surgery, with Conor Shaughnessy (calf) a doubt, but Jacob Farrell is fully fit following his ankle problem. Manuel Benson (Achilles), Jordan Beyer (knee), Hannes Delcroix (knee), Hjalmar Ekdal (hamstring), Aaron Ramsey (knee) and Nathan Redmond (knee) are all missing for the hosts. And the Clarets also have doubts over the availability of Lyle Foster, Connor Roberts and Mike Trésor. VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM Read the thoughts of John Mousinho ahead of the big game. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 23 wins Burnley: 24 wins 9 draws At Turf Moor Pompey: 7 wins Burnley: 17 wins 5 draws Last Away Meeting Burnley 0 Pompey 1 (Norris) Championship December 10 2011 TICKETS Pompey have sold more than 2,100 tickets for the game and they are now off sale. There will be no tickets sold to away fans on the day of the match. Click here for a guide to visiting Turf Moor that has been produced by the home club. OFFICIALS Referee: David Webb Assistants: Rob Smith and Hugh Gilroy Fourth Official: Scott Tallis Webb last took charge of a Pompey game when they drew 0-0 at Rochdale in a League One contest in September 2020, showing yellow cards to Lee Brown and Tom Naylor, as well as one home player. MATCH COVERAGE Fans based overseas can watch the game on Pompey+, either through a monthly/annual subscription or by purchasing a match pass. The game is available non-exclusively on Paramount Plus+ in the USA and can also still be streamed through Pompey+. 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 in the Fratton Park studio by Andy Awford and Paul Robinson. Fans can get involved by sending messages and voicenotes to our Pompey+ WhatsApp channel* on +44 7457 413694 or via this link. Audio commentary from Rob Sills 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).
Burnley Starting Line-Up:- Number1, J. Trafford Number23, Lucas Pires Number5, M. Estève Number4, J. Worrall Number6, C. Egan-Riley Number8, J. Brownhill Number24, J. Cullen Number11, J. Anthony Number28, H. Mejbri Number30, L. Koleosho Number17, L. Foster Substitutes Number16, J. Egan Number19, Z. Flemming Number32, V. Hladký Number37, A. Hountondji Number29, J. Laurent Number42, H. Massengo Number9, J. Rodríguez Number3, S. Sambo Number7, J. Sarmiento
Pompey have dropped both Jordan Williams and Jason Dozzell to the bench, and brought in fit again defender Regan Poole and young West Ham loanee Freddie Potts for his debut. Still no Kusini Yengi, Connor Shaughnessy, or Mark O'Mahoney due to injury. No sign of fit again Aussie defender Jacob Farrell.
Christian Saydee's right footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Zak Swanson. 27 minutes.
Hurray! I was watching on a stream (with no sound) but it's died now. Gonna try it until half time and if it's still not working then I shall go to Morrisons.
Half time whistle. 0-1 to Pompey. Good first half for us, and a well deserved lead. Nice to see that we now have two fully fit classy central defenders. Regan Poole has made two excellent clearances when Burnley thought they would score.
Half Time Match Stats:- Overall Possession Burnley 68.8%Portsmouth 31.2% Shots Burnley 8Portsmouth 4 Shots on target Burnley 1Portsmouth 1 Shots off target Burnley 4Portsmouth 2 Blocked shots Burnley 3Portsmouth 1 Total touches in the box Burnley 11Portsmouth 6 Goalkeeper saves Burnley 0Portsmouth 1 Aerial duels won Burnley 4Portsmouth 10 Fouls Burnley 7Portsmouth 0 Corners Burnley 2Portsmouth 2
