Pompey begin a long run of away games when they visit the Keepmoat Stadium to take on Doncaster on Saturday (3pm kick-off). The postponement of a Fratton fixture with Plymouth at the start of September means the next three league contests are all on the road. Danny Cowley’s side are hoping to build on their perfect beginning to the campaign, with three successive victories sending them to the League One summit. Their next opponents, by contrast, are one of a trio of teams yet to collect a single point so far this term. Rovers have been beaten by AFC Wimbledon, Sheffield Wednesday and Accrington, although did see off Walsall on penalties to reach the second round of the Carabao Cup. Former Salford boss Richie Wellens took charge of the South Yorkshire outfit in May following the departure of Darren Moore a couple of months earlier. One of his first acts as manager was to persuade Ben Close to turn down a new contract at Fratton Park and sign for Doncaster. A last-gasp John Marquis goal was not enough to prevent the Blues from losing 2-1 in last season’s corresponding fixture. TEAM NEWS Pompey have doubts over the fitness of Marcus Harness (quad) and skipper Clark Robertson (ankle) after the pair went off injured at half-time on Tuesday night. Jayden Reid (knee) and Liam Vincent (shin) are definitely missing, while Callum Johnson serves the final game of his suspension. Former Pompey forward Jordy Hiwula is sidelined for Doncaster, along with Fejiri Okenabirhie and Jon Taylor (all ankle). Charlie Seaman and Matt Smith are both back in training after periods of self-isolation, with the latter having contracted Covid-19 and the former deemed a close contact. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 11 wins Doncaster 8 wins 6 draws At Doncaster Pompey: 6 wins Doncaster: 4 wins 3 draws TICKETS Pompey fans can purchase tickets from the Club Doncaster Academy reception next to the away turnstiles at the Keepmoat Stadium. OFFICIALS Referee: Carl Boyeson Assistants: Mark Cunliffe and Joe Simpson Fourth Official: Stephen Wade BETTING Pompey are the 6/5 favourites with VBET to secure all three points, while the hosts can be backed at 12/5.
Donny have been a bit of a bogey team for us in recent years. We last beat them in October 2019, but prior to that our latest win against them was in the Championship in he season which saw both sides relegated; 2012. Since then we have played them 11 times, with the 'afore mentioned win being accompanied by 4 draws and 6 defeats. I've done my best for the side by putting us to lose on the prediction game - you can all thank me when we get promoted
Doncaster Rovers Starting Line Up:- 12 Pontus Dahlberg 2 Kyle Knoyle 4 Tom Anderson 6 Ro-Shaun Williams 24 Cameron John 15 John Bostock 8 Ben Close 22 Ethan Galbraith 19 Charlie Seaman 21 Tiago Cukur 10 Tommy Rowe Substitutes 1 Louis Jones 14 Matthew Smith 16 Aidan Barlow 18 Ed Williams 23 Dan Gardner 28 Branden Horton 32 Ben Blythe
Tommy Rowe shot saved by Gavin Bazunu, Rowe put the loose ball in the back of the net, but disallowed for offside. 20 minutes.
Attempt missed. Ronan Curtis (Portsmouth) left footed shot from the left side of the box is high and wide to the left. Assisted by Kieron Freeman. 20 mins.
Half Time Match Stats:- Home Team: Doncaster .............Away Team: Portsmouth Possession: Home 49% Away 51% Shots: Home 3 Away 4 Shots on Target: Home 1 Away 2 Corners: Home 4 Away 1 Fouls: Home 8 Away 8
Attempt saved. Ronan Curtis (Portsmouth) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Gassan Ahadme with a cross. 49 minutes.
