Pompey make history on Saturday when they face Forest Green for the first time in a competitive fixture (3pm kick-off). It is no surprise that they have never previously crossed paths, given that Rovers have spent much of their existence in the non-league game. Based in the Gloucestershire town of Nailsworth, the world's first vegan club climbed into the EFL for the first time in 2017, then secured the League Two title at the end of last term. Following that success, however, boss Rob Edwards left for a brief stint in charge of Watford and has been replaced by Ian Burchnall. He will be trying to lead the Green Army out of the relegation zone, with the side having collected just 12 points so far – two fewer than local rivals Cheltenham. Their goal difference of -17 is the worst in the division – not helped by a 5-0 thrashing at Sheffield Wednesday and 4-0 reverse to Exeter. But Forest Green got some revenge by beating the latter club 4-1 on Tuesday evening to secure top spot in their Papa Johns Trophy group. Pompey, meanwhile, are trying to end a four-match winless run that has seen them drop to fifth place in the standings. TEAM NEWS Marlon Pack serves a one-match ban after being sent off at Charlton and will miss his first league game of the season. Pompey will have to check on the fitness of Michael Jacobs (hamstring), Tom Lowery (hamstring) and Joe Rafferty (stomach), but Jayden Reid (knee) and Louis Thompson (leg) are definitely missing. Matty Stevens (knee) and Udoka Godwin-Malif (hamstring) are both currently sidelined for Forest Green. HEAD TO HEAD This will be the first competitive meeting between Pompey and Forest Green. OFFICIALS Referee: Will Finnie Assistants: Thomas Harty and Adam Ricketts Fourth Official: Jack Clench TICKETS Pompey have sold their full allocation of tickets for this fixture and no more will be available to visiting fans. Supporters travelling to the ground should note that roadworks in Nailsworth might add more time to their journey. Click here for more information about this and parking. 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. Overseas subscribers and match pass holders can watch all the action live, with accompanying commentary. We will have updates throughout the game on Twitter and the match centre. You can also see behind-the-scenes content on our Instagram story. Listeners can hear commentary by tuning in to either BBC Radio Solent or Express FM. BETTING Pompey are the 77/100 favourites with VBET to secure all three points, while the hosts can be backed at 16/5.
Pompey have made 5 changes for this game including an EFL debut for Jay Mingi who steps in for Marlon Pack in midfield. Zak Swanson starts at right back, Joe Pigott and Ronan Curtis join the forward line. Ex-Pompey keeper Luke McGee plays for the home team.
Almost the opener from Pompey, as Mingi powers forward and finds Curtis, who then picks out Bishop in the box. The striker's shot is tipped against the bar by McGee and Pompey have a corner that is played to Dale. He crosses for Pigott at the back post, but the striker can't find the target with his header. 9 minutes.
Half time whistle. 0-1 to Pompey. We have had some decent chances so far, but Joe Pigott sounds like he is struggling. Jay Mingi has had an excellent first half.
Half Time Match Stats:- Home Team: Forest Green ...........Away Team: Portsmouth Possession: Home 53% Away 47% Shots: Home 3 Away 6 Shots on Target: Home 1 Away 3 Corners: Home 1 Away 4 Fouls: Home 7 Away 6
