Fratton Park will host competitive football once more, with Reading heading south to battle for a place in the second round of the Carabao Cup this evening (7.45pm kick-off). John Mousinho's men will enter the contest in buoyant mood following their opening day Championship victory at Oxford on Saturday. It has not been quite such a successful start for their opponents, however, who have lost their opening two games in League One. Led by Noel Hunt – part of the Pompey side that won the 2016/17 League Two title – they followed a 2-0 defeat at Lincoln by losing on home soil against Huddersfield by the same scoreline. Paddy Lane featured in both those games following his summer switch to the Madejski Stadium, as did ex-Blues loanee Mark O'Mahony. It was only just over a fortnight ago that these two sides met in a pre-season friendly in Berkshire, where goals from Jordan Williams and Callum Lang, plus Colby Bishop's double, sealed a 4-0 victory for the visitors. Pompey also triumphed in both league meetings during the successful 2023/24 campaign, fighting from behind to win 3-2 on the road before securing a 4-1 success back on Portsea Island. But it was Reading who came out on top in the only previous Carabao Cup contest in August 2015, when Conor Chaplin's opener was not enough to prevent a 2-1 reverse in round two. Please note that in the event of the game being goalless at the final whistle, the tie will go straight to penalties. TEAM NEWS Summer signings Márk Kosznovszky and Luke Le Roux will both be hoping to make competitive debuts for Pompey. But the hosts are without the injured trio of Harvey Blair (hamstring), Josh Murphy (hamstring) and skipper Marlon Pack (knee). Paudie O'Connor (calf) and Andy Yiadom (knee) both miss out for the visitors, while Lane and O'Mahony will hope to feature against their former club. VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM Read the thoughts of John Mousinho ahead of the big game. please log in to view this image HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 23 wins Reading: 12 wins 14 draws At Fratton Park Pompey: 14 wins Reading: 4 wins 7 draws Last Home Meeting Pompey 4 (Lane, Pack, Lang, Bishop) Reading 1 (Savage) League One February 17 2024 TICKETS Tickets are on sale in the North Stand and Milton End. Please note that prices increase if they are purchased on the day of the game. Supporters will need a match ticket to attend this game, with season tickets not valid. Click here to read our matchday guide and find out what is happening around the ground ahead of the game. OFFICIALS Referee: Farai Hallam Assistants: Sam Lewis and Graham Kane Fourth Official: Sam Mulhall Hallam last took charge of Pompey when they were beaten 3-0 at Blackburn back in January, booking one home player and four from the Blues. He was referee 40 times in total last season, brandishing 131 yellow cards and just two reds. MATCH COVERAGE Supporters in the UK will be able to watch the game live via the Sky Sports+ app. Broadcasting regulations mean that Carabao Cup games cannot be shown to overseas supporters on Pompey+. However, audio commentary from Ian Wilding 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).
Ten changes to the Pompey starting line up, and three debuts. First starts for Yang Min Hyeok, Luke Le Roux, and Mark Kosznovszky. The only player to retain his place is John Swift who captains the side. Four academy kids on the bench - Michael Ani, Fraser Thomas, Tayo Singerr and Nathaniel Chioma.
Reading Starting Line Up:- Number25, J. Stevens Number19, A. Garcia Number22, M. Stickland (c), Number12, F. Burns Number36, J. Ryan Number29, K. Doyle Number14, T. Rushesha Number39, A. Ahmed Number9, K. Ehibhatiomhan Number47, S. Spencer Number28, Mamadi Camará Substitutes:- Number1, Joel Pereira Number6, L. Fraser Number5, M. Jacob Number11, D. Kyerewaa Number4, B. Elliott Number43, J. Okine-Peters Number2, K. Abrefa Number20, M. O’Mahony Number8, C. Savage
Ex-Pompey winger Paddy Lane not even in the squad, and former loan striker Mark O'Mahony named on the bench.
