Pompey headed into the international break by beating a Middlesbrough side who started the day at the top of the table, while next Tuesday they host Coventry, who are currently at the summit. But John Mousinho's men have an equally challenging test in between, with a visit to high-flying Leicester on Saturday (7.45pm kick-off). The Foxes were relegated from the Premier League after finishing 18th last term – 13 points adrift of safety. That was despite shocking the football world by claiming the top-flight crown just nine years ago, while it was as recently as 2021 when they lifted the FA Cup. City are making a decent fist of bouncing straight back, however, and are sitting third in the standings after the opening nine games. Martí Cifuentes replaced Ruud van Nistelrooy as manager over the summer and has tasted defeat in the league just once so far. But there was a run of four successive draws – including a goalless contest with Coventry – before the 3-1 victory at Swansea a fortnight ago. This will be the first competitive meeting between Pompey and Leicester since the 2011/12 Championship campaign, when both games finished 1-1. TEAM NEWS Pompey are missing Jacob Farrell (groin), Callum Lang (hamstring), Nicolas Schmid (hand), Conor Shaughnessy (hamstring), Franco Umeh (hamstring) and Thomas Waddingham (thigh), while Josh Murphy (ankle) remains a major doubt. Harry Souttar (knee) is the only long-term absentee for Leicester, although Stephy Mavididi missed the last match with a hamstring problem. Former Blues keeper Asmir Begovic is likely to feature on the bench. VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM Read the thoughts of John Mousinho and Andre Dozzell ahead of the big game. please log in to view this image HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 19 wins Leicester: 32 wins 13 draws At Leicester Pompey: 3 wins Leicester: 20 wins 6 draws Last Away Meeting Leicester 1 (Nugent) Pompey 1 (Futács) Championship December 31 2011 TICKETS Pompey have sold their full allocation of tickets, with no more available to purchase on the day of the game. Click here to read a guide to visiting the King Power Stadium that has been produced by the home club. OFFICIALS Referee: Farai Hallam Assistants: Alistair Nelson and Bhupinder Singh Gill Fourth Official: Lewis Smith Hallam last took charge of Pompey when they were beaten 2-1 by Reading on home soil in the Carabao Cup back in August, booking two players from each side. He has been in the middle for six games so far this season, showing 27 yellow cards, but keeping the red one in his pocket. MATCH COVERAGE Supporters in the UK can watch the game live via the Sky Sports+ channel and app. Those base overseas can catch all the action live on Pompey+ (also available on Paramount+ and the CBS Sports Golazo Network in the USA), either through a monthly/annual subscription or by purchasing a match pass. George Wedlake will be joined in the Fratton Park studio by Mark Kelly and Paul Robinson. 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.
