English League Championship please log in to view this image Portsmouth ...............V please log in to view this image West Bromwich Albion
Pompey return to action following the international break by hosting West Brom at Fratton Park on Sunday (3pm kick-off). After suffering a first Championship defeat of the season against table-topping Sunderland a fortnight ago, they now face the side sitting second in the standings. Carlos Corberán’s Baggies have dropped just two points so far, with victories over QPR, Stoke and Swansea accompanied by a draw with Leeds. The only blot on their copybook so far has been a Carabao Cup first round exit on the road at fourth tier Fleetwood. But it is league form that will be the undoubted priority for all at The Hawthorns after going close to a top-flight return last term. Albion secured fifth spot – albeit finishing 21 points outside the top two – and drew 0-0 in the first leg of their play-off clash with Southampton. A 3-1 defeat in the reverse fixture down on the south coast, however, dashed hopes of a trip to Wembley. You have to go back to the 2008/09 campaign to find the most recent meeting between Pompey and West Brom. Both sides were in the Premier League back then, with Younes Kaboul and Niko Kranjčar netting in a 2-2 draw at Fratton Park. That came almost exactly a year after Kanu hit the only goal of the game at Wembley to send the Blues into the FA Cup final. TEAM NEWS Jacob Farrell, Tom McIntyre and Josh Murphy could all feature for the first time this season after fully recovering from injuries. Conor Shaughnessy is also hoping to return after missing the past two games through illness and a slight calf problem. Sunday’s game comes too soon for Regan Poole, while Ibane Bowat is awaiting a scan result after hurting his knee and Colby Bishop is continuing his rehabilitation from heart surgery. Daryl Dike (Achilles) is missing for the visitors, while Grady Diangan (shoulder) is a doubt, but former Fratton favourite Jed Wallace could feature. VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM Read the thoughts of John Mousinho ahead of the big game. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 20 wins West Brom: 43 wins 14 draws At Fratton Park Pompey: 12 wins West Brom: 17 wins 10 draws Last Home Meeting Pompey 2 (Kaboul, Kranjčar) West Brom 2 (Greening, Brunt) Premier League April 11 2009 TICKETS There is only limited availability, so click here to secure your seat. The ticket exchange will remain open until two hours before kick-off. Click here to read our matchday guide to find out what is happening around the ground ahead of the game. OFFICIALS Referee: Leigh Doughty Assistants: Nigel Lugg and Daniel Leach Fourth Official: Sam Allison Doughty last took charge of a Pompey game when they beat Carlisle at Fratton Park last season, showing a yellow card to Joe Rafferty and three visiting players. MATCH COVERAGE Supporters in the UK can watch the game live on Sky Sports Football or via the Sky Sports+ app. The game is available for international broadcast, including on Paramount+ in the USA. It will only be available to stream on Pompey+ in unsold international markets. The matchday show is live before the game for Pompey+ subscribers and overseas fans with a video subscription/match pass. George Wedlake will be joined in the Fratton Park studio by Andy Awford and Mark Kelly. Fans can get involved by sending messages and voicenotes to our Pompey+ WhatsApp channel* on +44 7457 413694 or via this link. Please note that live video coverage of half-time and post-match shows is only available for fans in regions where the game is being shown live on Pompey+. Audio commentary from Andrew Moon and Guy Whittingham is available for Pompey+ subscribers or those who purchase an audio subscription/match pass. 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).
Today's results mean that Pompey are in the bottom three going into the game. Added to that, West Brom have the incentive that they will go top of they win! Looks like it might be a tough day at the park....
West Bromwich Albion Starting Line Up:- Number1, A. Palmer Number14, T. Heggem Number5, K. Bartley (c) Number6, S. Ajayi Number2, D. Furlong Number27, A. Mowatt Number8, J. Molumby Number18, K. Ahearne-Grant Number10, J. Swift Number31, T. Fellows Number9, J. Maja Substitutes: Number17, O. Diakité Number11, G. Diangana Number19, L. Dobbin Number24, G. Frabotta Number3, M. Holgate Number22, M. Johnston Number20, U. Račić Number7, J. Wallace Number23, J. Wildsmith
Portsmouth have responded well since going down, Josh Murphy in his league debut for the Blues commanding the respect of the West Brom defenders down the left. Callum Lang has been close to getting on the end of a few crosses into the box, he doesn't stop running, constantly pressing and on occasions forcing mistakes. Wave after wave of Portsmouth attack at the moment.
Will Norris booked for something he said to the referee, after Zak Swanson was badly fouled, but the ref ignored it and allowed play to carry on. Swanson receiving extensive treatment from the physio.
Josh Murphy booked for complaining to the ref about another contentious decision he has made. 35 minutes.
Half time whistle. 0-1 down, but we have fought well since conceding early on. Apparently, Kusini Yengi injured prior to kick off, so Elias Sorenson is on the bench.
Second half begins. No changes to either side. Conor Ogilvie reappears with his head heavily bandaged!
Pompey triple substitution: Abdoulaye Kamara, Harvey Blair and Sammy Silvera replace Andre Dozzell, Paddy Lane and Josh Murphy. 62 minutes.
