Match Day Thread Blackpool v Pompey

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Pompey return to League One action this evening when they make the long trip north to Blackpool (7pm kick-off).

Both sides enjoyed FA Cup victories at the weekend, with the Blues thrashing King’s Lynn and their next opponents easing past Harrogate.

But it is the battle for points that will top their list of priorities, with Kenny Jackett’s men trying to close the gap on the top two.

The Tangerines, meanwhile, are down in 15th position, but have enjoyed a decent run of form in recent weeks.

After winning just one of their opening seven league games, Neil Critchley’s men head into tonight’s contest with six successes from the past eight matches in all competitions.

One of those defeats was in their most recent third tier encounter, though – a 3-2 reverse at Doncaster seven days ago.

The Covid-19 pandemic ensured that the sides only met once last term, with Marcus Harness on target in a 1-1 draw at Bloomfield Road.

And the Blues won their two previous visits to Blackpool, with 3-2 and 2-1 triumphs in 2017 and 2018 respectively.

TEAM NEWS
Michael Jacobs (knee) is the only player currently missing for Pompey and could be back in training next week.

Blackpool are expected to be without Matty Virtue (hamstring) and MJ Williams (elbow), but Luke Garbutt returned from a spell on the sidelines at the weekend.

HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 22 wins
Blackpool: 27 wins
23 draws

At Bloomfield Road
Pompey: 7 wins
Blackpool: 16 wins
13 draws

OFFICIALS
Referee: Joshua Smith
Assistants: Nik Barnard and Mark Dwyer
Fourth Official: Simon Mather

BETTING
Pompey are the 29/20 favourites with Sky Bet to secure the victory, while the hosts can be backed at 17/10.

 

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Blackpool starting XI:

Chris Maxwell; Oliver Turton, Marvin Ekpieta, Daniel Ballard, James Husband; CJ Hamilon, Kenny Dougall, Ethan Robson, Sullay Kaikai; Keshi Anderson, Jerry Yates

Substitutes: Jack Sims, Dan Kemp, Jordan Gabriel, Demetri Mitchell, Grant Ward, Gary Madine, Ben Woodburn, Daníel Leó Grétarsson

 

Match kicks off.

 

Attempt blocked. Ronan Curtis (Portsmouth) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 9 minutes.

 

Attempt blocked. Sullay Kaikai (Blackpool) right footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Keshi Anderson. 13 minutes.

 

Attempt saved. James Husband (Blackpool) header from the centre of the box is saved in the top right corner. Assisted by Danny Ballard. 16 minutes.

 

Attempt saved. CJ Hamilton (Blackpool) left footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Keshi Anderson. 24 mins.

 

Ryan Williams passes to John Marquis, whose shot goes close. 38 minutes.

 

Attempt saved. Jerry Yates (Blackpool) right footed shot from outside the box is saved. 40 minutes.

 

Attempt blocked. Keshi Anderson (Blackpool) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 43 minutes.

 

Half-time whistle goes, and it's 0-0. Bit of a drab affair so far.

 

Half-Time Match Stats:-

Home Team: Blackpool ...............Away Team: Portsmouth

Possession:

Home 52%
Away 48%

Shots:

Home 6
Away 2

Shots on Target:

Home 3
Away 0

Corners:

Home 3
Away 2

Fouls:

Home 2
Away 4

 

Second half kicks off.

 

Pompey Subs: Ben Close and Ellis Harrison replace Ronan Curtis and Andy Cannon. 60 minutes.

 

Yellow card for Ballard, for a bad foul on John Marquis. 62 minutes.

 

Attempt saved. Ryan Williams (Portsmouth) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Ellis Harrison. 62 minutes.

 

1-0 to the home team. Goal by Keshi Anderson. 63 minutes.

 

Pompey Sub: Cameron Pring on for Ryan Williams. 66 minutes.