Pompey are on the road for the final time before Christmas, with Accrington the destination for their latest League One fixture. Kenny Jackett’s men are looking to extend a 10-match unbeaten run, while also returning to winning ways following last Saturday’s stalemate with Peterborough. Their next opponents are down in 18th position, although do sit five points above the relegation places. Stanley have enjoyed more success on their own patch this term – three of their four league victories have come at the Crown Ground. And the most recent of them was certainly achieved in some style, with 10-man Bolton thrashed 7-1 three weeks ago. John Coleman’s men also beat the same opposition on home soil a few days ago, this time to progress in the Leasing.com Trophy. A big success story for the Reds has been the form of Colby Bishop, who gave up a teaching career to sign for the club over the summer and has already scored 10 goals. Both of last season’s meetings finished all square at 1-1, with Oli Hawkins on target at the Crown Ground after Craig MacGillivray had saved a penalty. TEAM NEWS Brandon Haunstrup requires an operation on his meniscus after limping off in the last game and is set to be out for six-eight weeks. Pompey will also be without Christian Burgess, who has collected five bookings and serves a one-match ban. Andy Cannon and Sean Raggett are both available after shaking off slight knocks, but Bryn Morris (groin) is injured and Jack Whatmough not ready for selection. Accrington are close to having a full-strength squad to choose from, with Sean McConville (shoulder) the only doubt. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 6 wins Accrington: 2 wins 6 draws At Accrington Pompey: 2 wins Accrington: 1 win 4 draws TICKETS Pompey fans can secure seats by visiting the Anson Road ticket office until 4pm today. Tickets can also be bought at Accrington on the day of the game. OFFICIALS Referee: Martin Coy Assistants: Paul Newhouse and Chris Isherwood Fourth Official: David Benton BETTING Pompey are the 11/10 favourites with Sky Bet to secure all three points, while the hosts can be backed at 11/5.
Accrington 30 Josef Bursik 2 Callum Johnson 5 Ross Sykes 3 Mark Hughes 36 Jerome Opoku 7 Jordan Clark 28 Seamus Conneely 10 Joe Pritchard 8 Sam Finley 32 Dion Charles 19 Colby Bishop Substitutes 1 DimitarEvtimov 6 Lamine Sherif 9 Offrande Zanzala 18 Harvey Rodgers 23 Wilson Neves Bento De Carvalho 34 Ajibola Alese 42 Sadou Diallo
Attempt missed. John Marquis (Portsmouth) header from very close range is high and wide to the right. Assisted by Ellis Harrison with a cross following a fast break. 5 minutes.
Attempt blocked. Dion Charles (Accrington Stanley) right footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked. 8 minutes.
Attempt missed. John Marquis (Portsmouth) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Ellis Harrison.
Attempt missed. Colby Bishop (Accrington Stanley) right footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Sam Finley with a cross. 14 minutes.
Attempt blocked. Jordan Clark (Accrington Stanley) left footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Dion Charles. 16 minutes.
Attempt missed. Dion Charles (Accrington Stanley) right footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Callum Johnson. 18 minutes.
Attempt missed. Jordan Clark (Accrington Stanley) right footed shot from the right side of the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Sam Finley. 22 minutes.
Attempt saved. Sean Raggett (Portsmouth) header from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Anton Walkes. 26 minutes.
0-1 to Pompey with an excellent headed goal for Ronan Curtis - his 8th goal of the season. Assisted by Marcus Harness with a cross.. 35th minute.
We had gone close twice minutes earlier, with a 33rd minute shot by Ross McCrorie, and James Bolton header in the 34th minute.
1-1 now with an own goal from Ellis Harrison from an Accrington corner. Fine header apparently. 44th minute.
Attempt missed. Colby Bishop (Accrington Stanley) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Dion Charles. 45+2 minutes.
