In most circumstances, Pompey would much rather take on their opponents on home turf rather than travel to face them. But with little to celebrate against Charlton at Fratton Park in recent years, a trip to The Valley on Saturday (12.30pm kick-off) does seem more favourable. The hosts finished fifth in League One last season before edging past both Wycombe and Leyton Orient to secure promotion via the play-offs. And Nathan Jones' side quickly adapted to life in the Championship, sitting inside the top six as recently as one month ago. They have suffered in recent weeks, though, and are currently on a four-match losing run that included a 5-1 home hammering at the hands of Southampton. That sequence of results has seen the Addicks tumble down the table to 17th position, albeit currently six points better off than the Blues. The Londoners did take a surprise lead at league leaders Coventry in their most recent outing before eventually succumbing to a 3-1 defeat. Pompey last faced Charlton en route to securing the 2023/24 third tier title, although both contests finished all square, including a goalless affair in the capital. TEAM NEWS Andre Dozzell will serve a one-match ban after collecting his fifth Championship booking of the season against Bristol City last Saturday. Pompey are also missing Jacob Farrell (groin), Connor Ogilvie (knee), Conor Shaughnessy (hamstring), Franco Umeh (hamstring) and Thomas Waddingham (thigh), but Harvey Blair has recovered from a hamstring issue. Amari'i Bell (hamstring), Reece Burke (foot), Josh Edwards (ankle), Matty Godden (knee) and Charlie Kelman (hamstring) are all expected to be absent for Charlton. VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM Read the thoughts of John Mousinho and Nicolas Schmid ahead of the big game. please log in to view this image HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 46 wins Charlton: 40 wins 30 draws At Charlton Pompey: 19 wins Charlton: 21 wins 18 draws Last Away Meeting Charlton 0 Pompey 0 League One February 24 2024 TICKETS Pompey fans have snapped up the full allocation of tickets and none will be available to purchase by away fans on the day of the game. Click here to read a guide to visiting The Valley that has been produced by the home club. OFFICIALS Referee: Matthew Donohue Assistants: Matthew Smith and Darren Williams Fourth Official: David Rock Donohue last took charge of a Pompey match when they drew at St Mary's in September's south coast derby, booking two Blues players and four members of the home side. He has been in the middle for 12 games so far this season, brandishing 50 yellow cards and sending off Sheffield Wednesday's Barry Bannan on the opening weekend. 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 Paul Hardyman and Paul Robinson in the Fratton Park studio. 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.
