Pompey made an encouraging start to life back in the Championship by drawing a thrilling game at Leeds on Saturday. But the quest for points is replaced by one for progress as Millwall visit in the first round of the Carabao Cup this evening (7.45pm kick-off). Despite that, the Fratton contest is still a battle between two sides who occupy English football’s second tier. The visitors were also involved in a high-scoring contest on Saturday, conceding a late goal to lose 3-2 to Watford on home soil. Prior to kick-off at The Den, there had been emotional tributes to goalkeeper Matija Sarkic, who passed away in June at the age of just 26. Pompey reached the second round of this competition last season, winning at Forest Green before being knocked out on penalties by Peterborough. Meanwhile, the Lions fell at the first hurdle after suffering a heavy 4-0 home defeat by League One side Reading. The most recent contest between the two teams came in this stage of the Carabao Cup in August 2021. Reeco Hackett’s opener for the Blues – who had Callum Johnson sent off – was overturned in a 2-1 win for Millwall in the capital. In the event of tonight’s match finishing level after 90 minutes, there will be no extra-time and the tie will be decided by penalties. TEAM NEWS Jacob Farell (ankle), Tom McIntyre (hamstring), Josh Murphy (ankle) and Kusini Yengi (groin) are all expected to miss out. Regan Poole (knee) has not yet returned to full training, while Colby Bishop has recently undergone heart surgery. Millwall are expected to make several changes to their side, while Japhet Tanganga is suspended and Zian Flemming, Adam Mayor, Billy Mitchell and Murray Wallace are all injured. VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM Read the thoughts of John Mousinho ahead of Pompey’s opening cup contest. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 18 wins Millwall: 17 wins 24 draws At Fratton Park Pompey: 12 wins Millwall: 6 wins 11 draws Last Meeting Millwall 2 (Malone, Saville) Pompey 1 (Hackett) Carabao Cup R1 August 10 2021 TICKETS Fans can secure their seat online here or by paying a visit to the Anson Road ticket office. Click here for a full list of ticket prices and booking fees for this fixture. Please note that season cards are not valid for this fixture and all supporters require a match ticket to enter the ground. OFFICIALS Referee: Dean Whitestone Assistants: Daniel Leach and George Byrne Fourth Official: Stephen Parkinson Dean Whitestone took charge of Pompey’s final home game of last season, when they were beaten 2-1 by Wigan before lifting the League One trophy. MATCH COVERAGE Supporters in the UK can watch the game live via the Sky Sports+ app. Please note that broadcasting restrictions mean that this match cannot be shown on Pompey+ anywhere in the world, which also means there will be no matchday show this evening. Supporters can purchase an audio streaming pass to listen to live commentary from BBC Radio Solent’s Andrew Moon and Guy Whittingham, which is also available for Pompey+ subscribers. 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).
Millwall Starting Line Up:- 13, L. Roberts Number15, J. Bryan Number5, J. Cooper (c), Captain Number45, W. Harding Number2, D. McNamara Number44, A. Massey Number24, C. De Norre Number22, A. Emakhu Number39, G. Honeyman Number25, R. Esse Number17, M. Langstaff Substitutes: 9, T. Bradshaw Number4, S. Hutchinson Number1, L. Jensen Number18, R. Leonard Number7, K. Nisbet Number23, G. Saville Number37, K. Smith Number19, D. Watmore
Half time. 0-1 to Millwall. Average first half performance from Pompey. Millwall haven't been much better! Gavin Whyte sounded like he had a poor first half, so why not replace him with Matt Ritchie, and while you are at it, bring on either Callum Lang or Elias Sorensen for say Christian Saydee?! Let's hope the second half is an improvement.
Pompey sub: Elias Sørensen on for Tom Lowery. 66 minutes. Looks like Tom Lowery has suffered another injury.
Despite an attacking flourish from Pompey at the very end, the final score is 0-1 to Millwall. Out of the cup, but not an important result as far as I see it. League is far more important.
I am on holiday in the UK at the moment and managed to get to this match. Only the 2nd time I have managed to get to Fratton Park but apart from that in fifty+ years. I think your analysis is accurate Woops. Defensively it could be argued we were good. We conceded the goal but, that apart, Norriss only had one save to make. So we played well in the rear third of the field. The trouble was we created little in the other two thirds of the pitch - particularly in the first half. In the second half we did have a period of sustained attack but I cannot recall their keeper making a save. Whyte was ineffectural. Devlin and Lowry did show endeavor but were not up to scratch in their first half roles. Saydee had little chance from such service have thought that as he got. I am a fan of Tom Lawry and would like to see him utilized in the preferred eleven. However, the no 10 role is too far forward for him. I hope his injury is not severe. The 'Snooze' gave Swanson man of the match and i agree. He played at right wing back, right back, and central mid field during the course of the game and looked to be a pace in front in all three positions. It is early days but I am yet to be convinced that Jordon Williams is a better full back. The critiism I have had of Swanson when playing on the right that is when he turns infield bringing the ball onto his left foot the ball rarely goes forward. Stevenson looked competent as he has done in any game I have seen him play. This could be his season if opportunities present. PUP
