Pompey make the long trip north for a second successive weekend when they visit Wigan on Saturday (3pm kick-off). Danny Cowley’s side saw their 100 per cent winning record ended by a goalless draw at Doncaster last time out. But another shut-out means the Blues are one of just two sides – along with League One leaders Sheffield Wednesday – yet to concede in the entire EFL. Their next opponents were beaten at Sunderland on the opening day, but have gone on to enjoy win over Rotherham and Charlton, as well as a draw with Wycombe. Leam Richardson’s troops also beat both Hull and Bolton to reach the third round of the Carabao Cup, where they will lock horns with the Black Cats once more. Wigan exited administration towards the end of last season and survived the drop by just a single point. And they have worked hard to revamp their squad over the summer, with 13 new players coming through the door. Both sides won on each other’s patch during the 2020/21 campaign, as a strike from substitute Andy Cannon was enough to secure Pompey the points at the DW Stadium on Easter Monday. TEAM NEWS Pompey are sweating over the fitness of Marcus Harness (quad), while Jayden Reid (knee) and Liam Vincent (shin) are definitely missing. Tom Naylor and Jack Whatmough are both expected to feature against their former club for Wigan, who could hand a debut to Tom Bayliss. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 11 wins Wigan: 6 wins 4 draws At Wigan Pompey: 5 wins Wigan: 3 wins 2 draws TICKETS Pompey fans can purchase tickets (cash only) at the DW Stadium ticket office on the day of the game. OFFICIALS Referee: Christopher Sarginson Assistants: Mark Russell and George Byrne Fourth Official: Robert Massey-Ellis BETTING Pompey are the narrow 13/8 favourites with VBET to secure all three points, while the hosts can be backed at 7/4.
You have Sarginson as the Ref. All I can say to both sides is best of luck because if he is only half as bad as he was at ours then he will be feckin useless. The man should be thrown off the list and then Beachy Head.
Wigan Athletic Starting Line Up: 12 Ben Amos 27 Tendayi Darikwa 5 Jack Whatmough 2 Kelland Watts 3 Tom Pearce 4 Tom Naylor 6 Jordan Cousins 19 Callum Lang 10 Will Keane 14 Jordan Jones 9 Charlie Wyke Substitutes: 1 Jamie Jones 7 Gwion Edwards 11 Gavin Massey 20 Tom Bayliss 23 James McClean 30 Thelo Aasgaard 39 Stephen Humphrys
Attempt saved. Clark Robertson (Portsmouth) header from the centre of the box is saved in the top centre of the goal. Assisted by Shaun Williams with a cross. 5 minutes.
Attempt blocked. Ronan Curtis (Portsmouth) right footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Marcus Harness with a cross. 25 minutes.
Half time whistle. 0-0 scoreline. Pompey have played well, but not converted any of their chances as of yet. It took Wigan 37 minutes for their one and only shot on the Pompey goal. Let us hope for a goal scoring performance from PFC in the second half.
Half Time Match Stats:- Home Team: Wigan ........Away Team: Portsmouth Possession: Home 45% Away 55% Shots: Home 2 Away 4 Shots on Target: Home 1 Away 2 Corners: Home 0 Away 3 Fouls: Home 6 Away 6
Pompey edged the 1st half but 0-0 is never comfortable. Could go either way from here. If it stays 0-0 to the 60 minute point it will be interesting to see what substitutions Pompey make.(if any)
Attempt missed. Ronan Curtis (Portsmouth) right footed shot from the left side of the box is high and wide to the right. Assisted by Lee Brown. 55 minutes.
