Things do not get any easier for Pompey after their winning run ended at in-form Barnsley earlier in the week. Saturday sees the League One leaders Sheffield Wednesday make the long trip down to the south coast (3pm kick-off). They are currently above this season’s surprise package Plymouth on goal difference, while there is a five-point gap to Ipswich in third. Darren Moore’s men also have two games in hand over both those sides, as they aim to limit their stay at this level to just a couple of campaigns. The Owls were relegated from the Championship at the end of the 2020/21 campaign, although would have survived without a six-point deduction for breaching spending regulations. They are certainly doing well in their task to return there, however, and have collected an incredible 31 points from 33 since Christmas. Wednesday have been beaten just three times in the league so far this season, with their last defeat coming at Plymouth more than five months ago. The sides played out a thrilling 3-3 draw at Hillsborough on the opening day of the season back in July, while last term’s Fratton contest ended goalless. TEAM NEWS Ronan Curtis will miss the rest of the season after suffering an ACL injury, with Jayden Reid (knee) the other long-term absentee. Marlon Pack (knee), Clark Robertson (hip) and Zak Swanson (groin) are all still absent, but Jay Mingi could return following a knee problem and Josh Oluwayemi has recovered from illness. Ben Heneghan (knee), Michael Ihiekwe (knee), Callum Paterson (hamstring) and Mallik Wilks (calf) are all sidelined for Sheffield Wednesday. The visitors are also without the suspended Marvin Johnson suspended, but George Byers and Michael Smith are both expected to feature against their former club. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 27 wins Sheff Wed: 27 wins 16 draws At Fratton Park Pompey: 18 wins Sheff Wed: 9 wins 7 draws TICKETS All tickets have been sold for Saturday's game, although fans can check the eticketing website to see if any season ticket holders have made their seat available. If you are travelling to the game via train, please note that a replacement bus service is running between Fareham and Portsmouth. Click here to read our matchday guide and find out what is happening around the ground on Saturday. OFFICIALS Referee: Ben Toner Assistants: Adrian Tranter and Ollie Williams Fourth Official: Stuart Butler MATCH COVERAGE Domestic iFollow subscribers can listen to live commentary from Ian Wilding and Guy Whittingham by signing into their account and visiting the match centre from around 2pm on Saturday. Overseas subscribers and match pass holders can watch all the action live, with accompanying commentary. Click here for more information about using iFollow on a matchday and click here for information on downloading the app, so you can access content on your mobile device. We will have updates throughout the game on Twitter and the match centre. You can also see behind-the-scenes content on our Instagram story. There will be post-match reaction on the website and our official YouTube channel, with highlights to follow on Sunday. Local listeners can hear commentary by tuning in to either BBC Radio Solent or Express FM (not available online).
Portsmouth FC @Pompey Fratton Park = sold out please log in to view this image Bring the noise again today, Blues please log in to view this image #Pompey please log in to view this image ALT please log in to view this image ALT please log in to view this image ALT please log in to view this image ALT 12:00 pm · 11 Mar 2023 · 18.3K Views
Colby Bishop does well to lay the ball off with Aiden Flint all over him once more, and Joe Pigott's shot is deflected wide. 24 minutes.
Pompey play a short corner and when the ball eventually gets into the box, Conor Ogilve's shot is blocked. 37 minutes.
Yellow cards for Joe Morrell, and Sheffield's Dean Windass in the 41st minute, for shoving each other, after Windass deliberately prevented Joe Morrell from taking a free kick !!
Again a Wednesday player (Windass who has already been booked!) chucks the ball away to stop Pompey taking the free-kick and again they're not punished for it. 44 minutes.
Attempt missed. Sean Raggett (Portsmouth) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right following a corner. 45 + 3 minutes.
Half time. 0-1 to the Owls. Great goal by them, but we have created a few good chances, despite "rough house" tactics by a couple of away side players, in particular. Let's see how the second half pans out.......
Half Time Match Stats:- Home Team: Portsmouth ........Away Team: Sheff Wed Possession: Home 61% Away 39% Shots: Home 5 Away 3 Shots on Target: Home 0 Away 1 Corners: Home 4 Away 2 Fouls: Home 2 Away 11
Ryan Tunnicliffe's corner is met by a neat Colby Bishop back-flick and Dawson shows quick reactions to keep the ball out of his net. 47 minutes.
Apparently, plenty of applause as Robert Prosinečki is presented to the fans at half-time. What a player he was !!
