It is a simple equation for Pompey going into the final round of League One fixtures – win and they are in the play-offs. But Accrington will be looking to spoil the party when the sides meet at Fratton Park on Sunday (12pm kick-off). A draw or defeat could be enough for Danny Cowley’s men if Oxford and Charlton drop points against Burton and Hull respectively. That scenario could lead to plenty of chewed fingernails, however, and fans watching from home will hope for a more relaxed afternoon. John Coleman’s Stanley are sitting 13th in the third tier standings and have nothing but pride to play for. But you do not even have to go back two weeks to know that they will still likely provide stiff opponents for the Blues. A rearranged contest at a sodden Crown Ground resulted in the points being shared in a six-goal thriller. John Marquis thought he had nabbed an acrobatic stoppage-time winner, only to then inadvertently find his own net a few moments later. Accrington head south on a four-match unbeaten run, drawing their past three games against promotion contenders Sunderland, Pompey and Charlton. The most recent Fratton clash finished 1-1 and came on the final day of the 2018/19 campaign, with Ben Close on target. TEAM NEWS The injured trio of Alex Bass (foot), Ellis Harrison (knee) and Michael Jacobs (knee) are all still sidelined for Pompey. But Jack Whatmough has now completed a four-match ban, while Jordy Hiwula is available again after recovering from an ankle problem. Boyhood Blues fan Matt Butcher is a doubt for the visitors with a hamstring issue, while Ross Sykes has been out injured since January. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 6 wins Accrington: 3 wins 7 draws At Fratton Park Pompey: 4 wins Accrington: 1 win 2 draws OFFICIALS Referee: Sam Purkiss Assistants: Hristo Karaivanov and Simon Shaw Fourth Official: Lee Swabey BETTING Pompey are the 8/15 favourites with VBET to secure all three points, while the visitors can be backed at 5/1.
An early goal or two for Pompey will undoubtedly reduce the number of trips to the toilet between 12:00 and 13:45!
So, Pompey replace Sean Raggett in the centre of defence with Jack Whatmough who is available after his four match suspension. Paul Downing to play alongside him. Raggett is on the bench. The other welcome news is the return to the bench for fit again striker Jordi Hiwula. He is a decent option to bring on as a substitute if John Marquis isn't firing on all cylinders !
Accrington Stanley Starting Line-Up:- 40 Toby Savin 18 Harvey Rodgers 16 Ben Barclay 2 Michael Nottingham 4 Cameron Burgess 36 Adam Phillips 37 David Morgan 8 Jonathan Russell 11 Sean McConville 19 Colby Bishop 32 Dion Charles Substitutes: 7 Paul Smyth 13 Jack Buckley 20 Tom Scully 21 Harry Perritt 22 Dan Martin 24 Stephen Sama 26 Lewis Mansell
Half time and it's 0-1 to Stanley with a 23rd minute goal from Adam Phillips. It could have been 0-2 just on half time, but Colby Bishop was offside when he headed in a free kick. We have had two yellow cards, for Marcus Harness and Paul Downing for fouls. We started well, but cannot get into our stride at all. Need to improve for the second half.
Half Time Match Stats:- Home Team: Portsmouth ...........Away Team: Accrington Possession: Home 60% Away 40% Shots: Home 1 Away 4 Shots on Target: Home 1 Away 2 Corners: Home 2 Away 5 Fouls: Home 5 Away 8