Pompey will want to make sure the season does not drift aimlessly towards a conclusion during the final few weeks of the season. Play-off hopes have narrowed during a four-match winless run, even if there has been just a single defeat in the past 11 fixtures. So Danny Cowley’s side will be looking to at least keep those dreams alive by beating Cheltenham on Saturday (3pm kick-off). Their hosts returned to League One following a five-year absence by claiming the fourth tier title last term. And they have adapted effortlessly to life back at this level, currently sitting comfortably in mid-table. Michael Duff’s men do not have either a promotion push or relegation fears to trouble them during their last five games. The Robins have been involved in two of the most exciting contests this season, starting with Alfie May’s four-goal haul in a 5-5 draw at Wycombe in February. Then, just last Saturday, they struck twice at the death to somehow salvage a 4-4 stalemate at Accrington. Pompey will be looking to preserve their record of never having lost a competitive match to Cheltenham, although six of the eight previous meetings have ended all square. Their two victories include a 6-1 rout that sealed the League Two crown in 2017 and a 3-0 success in the EFL Trophy last season. TEAM NEWS Kieron Freeman (ankle), Reeco Hackett (knee) and Jayden Reid (knee) are the only absentees for the visitors. Ben Williams (hamstring) is missing for the hosts, who also have doubts over the fitness of Kion Etete (hip) and Conor Thomas (calf). HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 2 wins Cheltenham: 0 wins 6 draws At Whaddon Road Pompey: 1 win Cheltenham: 0 wins 3 draws TICKETS Pompey have sold their full allocation of tickets and no more will be made available. Please do not travel if you do not have a ticket. OFFICIALS Referee: Ollie Yates Assistants: Paul Stonier and Michael Begley Fourth Official: Thomas Harty MATCH COVERAGE Domestic iFollow subscribers can listen to live commentary from Andrew Moon and Guy Whittingham by signing into their account and visiting the match centre from around 2pm on Saturday. BETTING Pompey are the 23/20 favourites with VBET to secure all three points, while the hosts can be backed at 85/40.
Driving home from Devon today, so not able to add to the thread ! We lost 1-0 with a 76th minute goal from Liam Sercombe.
Hope you had a good time and that you remembered to put the cream on the scones first before adding the jam!
