Pompey ended their winless run by beating Millwall at the weekend, but now they will try to achieve the seemingly impossible – win at Bramall Lane. John Mousinho's side make the long trip north for a Championship contest with Sheffield United this evening (7.45pm kick-off). But it is a venue where the Blues have not tasted success since 1955, when Phil Gunter, Peter Harris and John Robertson all netted in a 4-1 victory. And this is not one of those occasions where the clubs are virtual strangers – there have been 26 meetings since a triumph that most reading this will not have been alive to witness. You could be forgiven for thinking this is the best chance in a while to break that barren streak, with the hosts currently sitting in the drop zone. A dreadful start to the season saw Rubén Sellés sacked in September and replaced by Chris Wilder, who had only departed the Blades at the end of last season after suffering a dramatic defeat to Sunderland in the play-off final. But despite it not all being plain sailing under the current boss, he oversaw a 3-0 derby win at Hillsborough on Sunday afternoon, courtesy of Tyrese Campbell's brace and a late Tom Cannon strike. Pompey produced one of their better away performance of last season when they visited United last term, although Connor Ogilvie's goal was not enough to prevent a 2-1 loss. TEAM NEWS Pompey will be managing the minutes of fit-again duo Callum Lang and Adrian Segečić following their return to the pitch against Millwall on Saturday. They are still missing Harvey Blair (hamstring), Jacob Farrell (groin), Connor Ogilvie (knee), Conor Shaughnessy (hamstring), Franco Umeh (hamstring) and Thomas Waddingham (thigh). Sheffield United have doubts over the fitness of Oliver Arblaster (knee), Tahith Chong (knee) and Chiedozie Ogbene (hamsting). VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM Read the thoughts of John Mousinho and Callum Lang ahead of the big game. please log in to view this image HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 27 wins Sheffield United: 40 wins 11 draws At Bramall Lane Pompey: 6 wins Sheffield United: 29 wins 4 draws Last Home Meeting Sheffield United 2 (Hamer, Rak-Sakyi) Pompey 1 (Ogilvie) Championship February 8 2025 TICKETS Tickets are no longer on sale and away fans will not be able to purchase them at Sheffield United this evening. Click here to read a guide to visiting Bramall Lane that has been produced by the home club and click here for full accessibility details. OFFICIALS Referee: Leigh Doughty Assistants: Jacob Graham and Nigel Lugg Fourth Official: Ben Toner Doughty last took charge of Pompey when they drew 1-1 at Sheffield Wednesday in the final away match of last season, booking two Blues players and one member of the home side. He has been in the middle for 12 games so far this season, brandishing 49 yellow cards and showing the red one twice. 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. George Wedlake will be joined by Gareth Evans and Paul Hardyman in the Fratton Park studio, with the pre-match show starting at 7pm. 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 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). *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.
Unchanged Pompey line up and subs bench tonight. Watching the game live on SkySports+, so back on here at half time.
