Pompey continue their run of games on the road by making the long trip north to face Blackburn this evening (7.45pm kick-off). And they do so looking to collect a first point away from Fratton Park since drawing with Swansea at the end of November. Their next opponents have stuttered in the league of late, having just a couple of draws to show for their efforts from the past five league contests. It is a surprising run coming off the back of six successive victories during the autumn, although they did at least return to winning ways with a 1-0 FA Cup success at Middlesbrough on Saturday. John Eustace's men are sitting seventh in the Championship standings and a single point adrift of the play-off places. Fans will be hoping for a vast improvement on last term, when they ended up in 19th position and only just clear of the drop zone. This will be the first meeting between between the clubs since both were in League One during the 2017/18 campaign. Blackburn won both contests that season, including a 3-0 success at Ewood Park, on their way to securing automatic promotion. TEAM NEWS Isaac Hayden could make his debut after arriving on loan from Newcastle, while skipper Marlon Pack is available after serving a one-match ban. Harvey Blair (knee), Ibane Bowat (knee), Jacob Farrell (knee), Mark O'Mahony (hip), Regan Poole (hamstring), Conor Shaughnessy (calf) and Kusini Yengi (knee) are all currently sidelined. Goalkeeper Jordan Archer is also a doubt after hurting his quad in the FA Cup third round defeat at Wycombe. The hosts could hand debuts to new recruits Adam Forshaw and Dion Sanderson, but former Fratton loanee Hayden Carter (knee) is out. Also missing for Blackburn are Yuki Ohashi (ankle), Harry Pickering (knee), Arnór Sigurðsson (thigh), Lewis Travis (hamstring) and Scott Wharton (knee). VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM Read the thoughts of John Mousinho ahead of the big game. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 26 wins Blackburn: 40 wins 24 draws At Ewood Park Pompey: 8 wins Blackburn: 26 wins 10 draws Last Away Meeting Blackburn 3 (Dack, Graham, Conway) Pompey 0 League One October 21 2017 TICKETS Pompey are no longer selling tickets for this fixture and they are not available to purchase at Blackburn tonight. Click here to read guides to visiting Ewood Park that have been produced by the home club. Please note that cash is not accepted in the stadium kiosks. OFFICIALS Referee: Farai Hallam Assistants: Paul Hodgkinson and Matthew McGrath Fourth Official: Thomas Kirk Hallam last took charge of Pompey for their 5-1 EFL Trophy victory over Gillingham at Fratton Park in October last season, showing a yellow card to Ryley Towler and three visiting players. MATCH COVERAGE Supporters based overseas can watch the game 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 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). Fans should note that this game is not being shown on Sky Sports+ in the UK. *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.
Blackburn Starting Line Up:- Number1, A. Pears Number24, O. Beck Number15, D. Batth Number5, D. Hyam Number2, C. Brittain Number6, S. Tronstad (c) Number21, J. Buckley Number10, T. Dolan Number8, T. Cantwell Number14, A. Weimann Number19, R. Hedges Substitutes: Number33, A. Cozier-Duberry Number28, A. Forshaw Number9, M. Gueye Number20, H. Leonard Number40, M. Litherland Number11, J. Rankin-Costello Number31, D. Sanderson Number32, I. Tyjon Number12, B. Tóth
Pompey have a much stronger starting line up tonight, compared to the FA Cup match at Wycombe. New signing Isaac Hayden starts on the bench, and surprisingly, Marlon Pack returns from his one match ban to play at centre half alongside Rob Atkinson, with Ryley Towler sadly dropping to the bench. Paddy Lane remains in midfield, with Matt Ritchie on the bench. Former Pompey loanee Hayden Carter is missing from the Blackburn squad, due to injury.
Freddie Potts crosses in from a free-kick and it's headed back across goal by Marlon Pack for Colby Bishop who stabs it towards goal from about seven yards but it hits the bar. 41 minutes.
A corner from Paddy Lane is initially dealt with, but Josh Murphy picks the ball back up on the right and cuts inside before curling a shot over. 44 minutes.
Half time whistle. 0-0 score. Paddy Lane injured, and carried off the pitch Blackburn started well, but we have slowly come into the game, and probably have had the best chance with Colby Bishop hitting the bar.
Half Time Match Stats:- Overall possession Blackburn Rovers 51.8%Portsmouth 48.2% Shots Blackburn Rovers 5Portsmouth 4 Shots on target Blackburn Rovers 1Portsmouth 0 Total touches inside the box Blackburn Rovers 18Portsmouth 12 Goalkeeper saves Blackburn Rovers 0Portsmouth 1 Fouls Blackburn Rovers 9Portsmouth 10 Corners Blackburn Rovers 3Portsmouth 5
Josh Murphy plays in a great ball to Colby Bishop, who according to the Radio Solent commentators was sent flying in the penalty area by a two handed push by a Blackburn defender. The referee takes no action and play continues
