Just about to leave my apartment for a casual walk to the Ricoh in the shortest away game journey I've ever been on
Pompey will look to climb further away from the Championship's bottom three when they visit Coventry this evening (8pm kick-off). But John Mousinho's men are not the only side desperate to collect points as the season's finishing line moves ever closer. Their opponents still have plenty to play for at the opposite end of the table, currently sitting just outside the play-off spots. That did not look likely when City appointed former England star Frank Lampard to replace Mark Robins as boss back in November. They were 17th at the time and hovering above the drop zone, with one of his earlier games in charge a 4-1 thrashing at Fratton Park. Callum Lang produced an incredible individual display to net all of the hosts' goals after they had fallen behind in the opening minutes. Lampard has since guided his side up the division, however, and they were the country's form team until a recent stumble. They have lost three of their past four matches, including Saturday's 2-1 home defeat to title-chasing Burnley. Pompey's most recent visit to Coventry's patch was for a League One contest in February 2020, when Matty Godden grabbed the winner for the Sky Blues. TEAM NEWS Rob Atkinson (calf), Ibane Bowat (knee), Jacob Farrell (knee), Paddy Lane (knee), Callum Lang (hamstring), Hayden Matthews (ankle) and Conor Shaughnessy (hamstring) are all currently sidelined. Zak Swanson is also a doubt after hurting his heel in training last week, but Mark O'Mahony is available after missing the Millwall game with a back spasm. Josh Eccles (calf), Oliver Dovin (knee) and Brandon Thomas-Asante (pelvis) are missing for Coventry, while Norman Bassette (knee) is a doubt. VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM Read the thoughts of John Mousinho ahead of the big game. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 14 wins Coventry: 16 wins 7 draws On the Road Pompey: 4 wins Coventry: 11 wins 2 draws Last Away Meeting Coventry 1 (Godden) Pompey 0 League One February 11 2020 TICKETS Tickets are no longer on sale, with more than 2,300 already sold. They will not be available for away fans to purchase at the ground this evening. Click here for a guide to visiting the Coventry Building Society Arena that has been produced by the home club. OFFICIALS Referee: Gavin Ward Assistants: Graham Kane and Nigel Lugg Fourth Official: Thomas Kirk Ward last took charge of Pompey when they beat Middlesbrough 2-1 at Fratton Park back in January, showing one yellow card to the hosts and three to the visitors. He has taken charge of 26 games so far this season, booking a total of 101 players and sending seven for an early bath. MATCH COVERAGE Supporters in the UK can watch the game live on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football or via the Sky Sports+ app. The game is available for international broadcast, including on CBS Sports Golazo Network and Paramount+ in the USA. It will only be available to stream on Pompey+ in unsold international markets. Click here for more information. The pre-match show is live before the game for all 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 Danny Rose. 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 live video coverage of half-time and post-match shows is only available 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.
Coventry City Starting Line Up:- Number40, B. Collins Number3, J. Dasilva Number15, L. Kitching (c), Number4, B. Thomas Number27, M. van Ewijk Number29, V. Torp Number6, M. Grimes Number10, E. Mason-Clark Number5, J. Rudoni Number7, T. Sakamoto Number11, H. Wright Substitutes:- Number8, J. Allen Number37, N. Bassette Number21, J. Bidwell Number2, L. Binks Number22, J. Latibeaudiere Number12, J. Paterson Number14, B. Sheaf Number9, E. Simms Number13, B. Wilson
Pompey have rested Matt Ritchie who drops to the bench, and recalled Adil Aouchiche on the right wing. Thomas Waddingham comes into the starting line up, with Terry Devlin named on the bench. Fit again Mark O'Mahony is on the bench.
Adil Aouchiche right footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Thomas Waddingham. 1st minute.
Andre Dozzell left footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the left. 1st minute. Good start from Pompey.
Pompey are causing early problems and after possession is turned over, a low Adil Aouchiche shot is saved by Collins. 4 minutes.
Josh Murphy right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Jordan Williams with a cross. 8 minutes.
Connor Ogilvie's deep pass is well controlled by Josh Murphy, who sees another shot blocked. 10 minutes.
Josh Murphy right footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Colby Bishop. 28 minutes.
Connor Ogilvie sends a fine pass to Cohen Bramall down the left and he squares for Colby Bishop, whose shot is blocked. 33 minutes.
Half time, and it's goal less. We have played well in the first half, with some good attacking chances. Let's hope this continues in the second half !
