Pompey make their longest trip of the season when they head to the north-west to take on Carlisle on Saturday (3pm kick-off). John Mousinho’s side will be aiming to at least maintain the four-point gap they currently hold over second spot. There was a celebratory mood in Cumbria at the end of last season, as United secured promotion to League One following nine successive years in the basement. They ended in fifth position before beating Bradford – after extra-time – over two legs and seeing off Stockport at Wembley. That latter success was achieved on penalties following a 1-1 draw, with Blues midfielder Owen Moxon among those to score from the spot. But Paul Simpson’s men have struggled at a higher level and currently find themselves at the foot of the table. They are 11 points adrift of the safety line and head into this weekend’s contest on the back of five straight defeats. Carlisle did put up a fight when they visited Fratton Park back in October, however, and it took a stoppage-time Conor Shaughnessy header to secure three points for Pompey. Fans will have fond memories of the last trip to Brunton Park in 2017, when Gary Roberts, Amine Linganzi and Jack Whatmough netted in a 3-0 win en route to promotion. TEAM NEWS It was announced earlier in the week that Terry Devlin (shoulder), Tom McIntyre (ankle) and Joe Morrell (knee) are all likely to miss the remainder of the season. The trio join Tino Anjorin (hamstring), Josh Dockerill (knee), Regan Poole (knee), Alex Robertson (hamstring), Ben Stevenson (knee) and Zak Swanson (groin) on the sidelines. Carlisle are without Joshua Kayode (calf) and Georgie Kelly (knee), while Jack Diamond (ankle) is also a doubt. VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM Read the thoughts of John Mousinho and former Carlisle midfielder Owen Moxon ahead of the game. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 18 wins Carlisle: 13 wins 11 draws On the road Pompey: 4 wins Carlisle: 10 wins 7 draws TICKETS Fans can longer buy tickets direct from Pompey and there are only a small number still available to buy at Carlisle on the day of the game, when prices increase by £3. Click here for a guide to visiting Brunton Park that has been produced by the home club. MATCH COVERAGE Domestic iFollow subscribers can listen to live commentary from Andrew Moon and Lee Bradbury by signing into their account and visiting the match centre from around 2pm on Saturday. Overseas subscribers and match pass holders can watch all the action live, with replays and accompanying commentary. Click here for more information about using iFollow on a matchday and click here for information on downloading the app, so you can access content on your mobile device. We will have key updates throughout the game on Twitter and a detailed blog via the match centre. There will be post-match reaction on the website and our official YouTube channel, with highlights to follow on Sunday. Local listeners can hear commentary by tuning in to either BBC Radio Solent or Express FM (not available online).
Match officials for Carlisle away. Carlisle United v Portsmouth (15:00) Ref. MARTIN WOODS Linesman Graeme Fyvie and Ivan Stankovic Fourth Official : David Mcnamara
Carlisle United Starting Line Up:- 40 Harry Lewis GK 2 Finley Back DF 19 Jack Robinson DF 22 Jon Mellish DF 5 Sam Lavelle (C) DF 26 Ben Barclay DF 36 Josh Vela MF 33 Harrison Neal MF 7 Jordan Gibson MF 27 Jack Diamond FW 35 Luke Armstrong FW Substitutes: 13 Gabriel Breeze 3 Jack Armer 34 Sean Grehan 15 Taylor Charters 10 Alfie McCalmont 11 Daniel Butterworth 24 Sean Maguire
There's a delay to kick-off, as it looks like there might be a medical incident in the home end that needs attention.
Harry Lewis breathes a sigh of relief when his clearance flies straight to Myles Peart-Harris, only for the ball to ricochet off the midfielder and fly out of play. 12 minutes.
Paddy Lane's left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Colby Bishop. 22 minutes.
Marlon Pack's corner is cleared as far as Tom Lowery, whose shot from the edge of the box hits the post. 34 minutes.
There are no immediate passing options for Sean Raggett, so he hits a 30-yard strike that dips narrowly over the bar. 36 minutes.
Conor Ogilvie's cross is missed by a Carlisle defender, hits Callum Lang and flies into the arms of Harry Lewis. 37 minutes.
Half time whistle goes, and it's a 0-0 score line. The home team have defended well. I would like to see Kusini Yengi on for the second half, in place of Colby Bishop perhaps.
Half Time Match Stats:- Home Team: Carlisle .......Away Team: Portsmouth Possession: Home 39% Away 61% Shots: Home 6 Away 6 Shots on Target: Home 1 Away 0 Corners: Home 2 Away 1 Fouls: Home 4 Away 5
Joe Rafferty skips pass the challenge of Mellish and sends a low ball in towards Colby Bishop that Lavelle does well to turn behind. 46 minutes.
