Pompey’s quest for a maiden victory of the 2024/25 Championship campaign takes them to Stoke this evening (7.45pm kick-off). John Mousinho’s men know that a positive outcome would see them climb above their hosts, who currently sit just two places higher in 21st position. The Potters currently have two wins to their name – a 1-0 home success over Coventry on the opening day followed by the same result at Plymouth at the end of August. But they are the only occasions when points have been collected, with defeats to Watford, West Brom, Oxford, Hull and, last Saturday, Middlesbrough. The Staffordshire outfit raised a few eyebrows when they parted company with boss Steven Schumacher just five games in. His replacement Narcís Pèlach left a coaching role with Norwich to take charge, having previously had posts with Girona and Huddersfield. While Stoke are still finding their feet in the league, they have progressed to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup. After beating Carlisle and thrashing Middlesbrough 5-0 on Teesside, they defeated Fleetwood on penalties to set up a meeting with top-flight strugglers Southampton. This will be the first time Pompey have visited the Potters since a League Cup second round tie in August 2014 that the then Premier League side won 4-0. TEAM NEWS Ibane Bowat is set to miss the rest of the season after injuring his knee, while Colby Bishop is continuing his rehabilitation from heart surgery. Callum Lang (groin), Conor Shaughnessy (calf) and Kusini Yengi (groin) are all sidelined, but Connor Ogilvie is available having missed the last game due to illness. Stoke are without Lynden Gooch (knee), Bosun Lawal (back) and Ben Pearson (hamstring), while Million Manhoef (leg) is a doubt. VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM Read the thoughts of John Mousinho and Tom McIntyre ahead of the big game. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 27 wins Stoke: 24 wins 14 draws On the Road Pompey: 8 wins Stoke: 18 wins 6 draws Last Away Meeting Stoke 3 (Walters 2, Crouch) Pompey 0 League Cup R2 August 27 2014 TICKETS Pompey have sold more than 1,600 tickets for the game and they are now off sale. There will be no tickets sold to away fans on the day of the match. Click here for a guide to visiting Stoke that has been produced by the home club. OFFICIALS Referee: Tom Nield Assistants: Richard Wild and Matthew Smith Fourth Official: Josh Smith Nield last took charge of a Pompey game when they won 3-1 at Wycombe on Good Friday earlier this year, showing four yellow cards to the visitors and two to the Chairboys. MATCH COVERAGE Supporters in the UK can watch the game live via the Sky Sports+ app. Those based overseas can see all the action on Pompey+, either through a monthly/annual subscription or by purchasing a match pass. 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 the half-time and post-match shows are only available to watch for fans in regions where the game is being shown live on Pompey+. Audio commentary from Rob Sills 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). *Please note that the WhatsApp service is only for sending messages to appear on the matchday show. The club will not be able to reply to any messages.
Stoke City: Johansson, Wilmot, Rose, Gibson (Capt), Enda Stevens, Moran, Burger, Junho, Koumas, Gallagher, Cannon. Subs: Bonham, Tchamadeu, Bocat, Phillips, Thompson, Seko, Sidibe, Vidigal, Tezgel.
Pompey bring in for his first start, Harvey Blair for Sammy Silvera on the right wing. Jake Farrell is replaced at left back by Conor Ogilvie. Playing at left back for Stoke is ex-Pompey defender Enda Stevens.
I'm watching the match live on the TV, so may return at half time, but definitely at full time! Please join in if you wish......
Final score 6-1 to Stoke. Stoke played well, but we were very poor, and defensive mistakes, and at times poor goalkeeping by Will Norris assisted them with at least 3 of the goals conceded.
Give them all refunds. Incidentally, you're not the first person to talk about Norris' dodgy keeping, it's been mentioned by others even before tonight. Didn't we sign a keeper during the summer? Maybe we should give him a try...
