Pompey have to put derby thoughts to the back of their minds and focus on trying to find some consistency in the league. They now travel to face a Blackpool outfit who have yet to taste defeat in the third tier so far this season. Simon Grayson’s men have won three games and drawn twice, ensuring they are among a clutch of five sides on 11 points at the top of the table. That includes home victories over Bristol Rovers and Oxford, meaning the Blues will be looking to become the first club to leave Bloomfield Road with all three points. Their only loss came against Macclesfield in the Carabao Cup – and even then they were only seen off on penalties. Pompey have won on each of their past two visits to Blackpool turf, with Ronan Curtis netting twice in a 2-1 triumph last term. But there should be more people inside the stadium this time around, with Seasiders fans ending their boycott following the welcome removal of the Oyston family from the boardroom. Their side have finished mid-table in each of the two campaigns since being promoted back to League One – and will now be looking to secure Championship football for the first time since 2015. TEAM NEWS James Bolton (ankle), Oli Hawkins (foot) and Ryan Williams (quad) are all back in training, but none are likely to feature on Saturday. Bryn Morris (groin) and Jack Whatmough (knee) are the only other first team players currently sidelined. Blackpool do not have many fitness concerns, although there are doubts over Nathan Delfouneso (hamstring) and Matty Virtue (thigh). HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 22 wins Blackpool: 27 wins 22 draws At Bloomfield Road Pompey: 7 wins Blackpool: 16 wins 12 wins OFFICIALS Referee: Christopher Sarginson Assistants: Chris Isherwood and Richard Woodward Fourth Official: Wade Smith BETTING Pompey are the 13/10 favourites with Sky Bet to secure all three points, while the hosts can be backed at 2/1.
Blackpool 23 Alnwick 20 Turton 5 Edwards 16 Tilt 26 Husband 11 Feeney 8 Spearing 15 Thompson 10 Kaikai 24 Nuttall 21 Gnanduillet Substitutes 4 Bushiri 6 Heneghan 9 Hardie 17 Virtue-Thick 25 Guy 34 Shaw 37 Mafoumbi
Attempt blocked. Jay Spearing (Blackpool) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Joe Nuttall. 2nd minute.
Attempt blocked. Ronan Curtis (Portsmouth) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Andrew Cannon. 9th minute.
0-1 to Pompey. 17 minutes. Marcus Harness (Portsmouth) left footed shot from the centre of the box to the top right corner, after John Marquis had a chance of shooting.
Attempt missed. Armand Gnanduillet (Blackpool) header from the right side of the six yard box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by James Husband with a cross. 23rd minute.
John Marquis goes past Blackpool centre half Ryan Edwards, who grabs his shirt and yanks him to the ground
Half Time Match Stats:- Home Team: Blackpool ..........Away Team: Portsmouth Possession: Home 47% Away 53% Shots: Home 3 Away 4 Shots on Target: Home 0 Away 2 Corners: Home 2 Away 2 Fouls: Home 10 Away 8
