Pompey can look back on 2024 knowing that it was a memorable year – with the club securing an eighth Football League title and a return to the Championship. So John Mousinho's men will look to bring the curtain down with a positive result at Bristol City on Sunday (3pm kick-off). Only three weeks has passed since the sides last met and a repeat of that south coast contest would certainly provide some early fireworks. Goals from Colby Bishop, Josh Murphy and Callum Lang secured a 3-0 victory on a windy afternoon at Fratton Park. Their opponents only took two points from the three games that followed, but they bounced back to beat Luton on home soil on Boxing Day. Scott Twine's fine strike early in the second half means that Liam Manning's side sit 11th in the standings at the campaign's halfway point. That is where they ended up last term and the task now is to close the seven-point gap to the play-off spots. Pompey last visited Ashton Gate for an FA Cup third round tie in January 2021, with Callum Johnson netting in a rather unfortunate 2-1 loss behind closed doors. TEAM NEWS Harvey Blair (knee), Jacob Farrell (knee), Conor Shaughnessy (calf), Mark O'Mahony (hip), Regan Poole (hamstring), Jordan Williams (hamstring) and Kusini Yengi (knee) are all sidelined for Pompey. Ibane Bowat is set to miss the the rest of the season with a serious knee injury, but Matt Ritchie should be available after picking up a knock at Watford. Kal Naismith is absent for the hosts after hurting his hamstring, although Ross McCrorie and Cam Pring could both feature against their former club. Bristol City will be without Sinclair Armstrong and Mark Sykes, who are also currently suffering with hamstring injures. VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM Read the thoughts of John Mousinho ahead of the big game. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 15 wins Bristol City: 22 wins 18 draws At Ashton Gate Pompey: 5 wins Bristol City: 15 wins 7 draws Last Away Meeting Bristol City 2 (Diedhiou, Martin) Pompey 1 (Johnson) FA Cup R3 January 10 2021 TICKETS Pompey have sold their full allocation of tickets and none will be able to purchase at Ashton Gate on the day of the game. Click here to read a guide to visiting the ground that has been produced by the home club. OFFICIALS Referee: John Busby Assistants: Andrew Dallison and George Byrne Fourth Official: Paul Howard Busby last took charge of Pompey when they beat Preston 3-1 at Fratton Park in November, showing a solitary yellow card to Regan Poole. 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). *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.
Pompey have rested four players - Zak Swanson/Freddie Potts/Josh Murphy/Callum Lang who all drop to the bench. They are replaced by Terry Devlin/Owen Moxon/Paddy Lane/Sammy Silvera...... Both Marlon Pack and Ryley Towler play against their former club. City left back Cameron Pring is a former Pompey loanee, as is Ross McCrorie when he was with Glasgow Rangers. Ex Pompey player Kal Naismith is currently out injured.
3-0 down now, with a goal from Dickie. 35 minutes. We desperately need our injured centre halves back from injury.
Half time whistle (thank God!) 3-0 to the Robins. We have not been "at the races" today. We seem to be missing both wide men Josh Murphy and Callum Lang, as neither Paddy Lane nor Sammy Silvera have done a lot so far. Not sure what John Mousinho will do change wise for the second half. Will be interesting!!
Half Time Match Stats:- Overall possession Bristol City 42.3%Portsmouth 57.7% Shots Bristol City 10Portsmouth 3 Shots on target Bristol City 6Portsmouth 2 Total touches inside the box Bristol City 15Portsmouth 1 Goalkeeper saves Bristol City 2Portsmouth 3 Fouls Bristol City 5Portsmouth 6 Corners Bristol City 3Portsmouth 1
