It has often been a close affair when Pompey and Plymouth have faced off in recent years. Of the 19 encounters since the Blues were relegated to the basement back in 2013, there have been 11 stalemates. Meanwhile, four of the five most recent contests ended 2-2 – including at Fratton Park back in September, when Reeco Hackett came off the bench to grab a late leveller. But John Mousinho’s side head to Devon on Saturday (3pm kick-off) to face a side who are currently on course to secure automatic promotion to the Championship. The Pilgrims have held top spot for much of the season, although a narrow defeat at Sheffield Wednesday last week meant they were leapfrogged by their opponents. There is still a six-point gap over Ipswich in third, however, and Steven Schumacher’s men have the best home record in the division. They have won 13 of their 14 fixtures at Home Park this term, with a 2-0 defeat to Port Vale at the start of December the only blemish. And with 17 games remaining, it has left Argyle fans dreaming of a return to the second tier for the first time since 2010. TEAM NEWS Right-back Zak Swanson could make a return to the side after returning to full training following a groin injury. Joe Rafferty (stomach) is also closing in on being available again, having appeared in a midweek friendly. But the Blues are still without Ronan Curtis (ankle), Tom Lowery (hamstring), Jay Mingi (knee), Jayden Reid (knee) and Clark Robertson (hip). Plymouth keeper Mike Cooper will be sidelined for the rest of the season after suffering a serious knee injury. Dan Scarr (foot) is also absent for the home side, while the are doubts over the fitness of Niall Ennis (hip). HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 28 wins Plymouth: 26 wins 18 draws On the road Pompey: 10 wins Plymouth: 15 wins 10 draws TICKETS Pompey have sold their full allocation of tickets for the game. Click here to read a guide to visiting Home Park. OFFICIALS Referee: Simon Mather Assistants: Simon Shaw and Daniel Flynn Fourth Official: James Durkin MATCH COVERAGE Domestic iFollow subscribers can listen to live commentary from Andrew Moon and Glen Little 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. 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 updates throughout the game on Twitter and the match centre. You can also see behind-the-scenes content on our Instagram story. 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). BETTING Plymouth are the evens favourites with VBET to secure all three points, while Pompey can be backed at 23/10.
Both teams are without their first choice goalkeepers. Pompey have Matt Macey out through illness, with Josh Oluwayemi replacing him, with talented former academy youngster 17 year old Toby Steward on the bench. Argyle are without Michael Cooper who is apparently out for the rest of the season with a knee injury. He is replaced by Burton, with academy keeper Parkes on the bench.
Michael Jacobs (Portsmouth) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left. Assisted by Colby Bishop. 14 minutes.
Miller goes down far too easily under DI'Shon Bernard's challenge in the box and the referee rightly waves away their appeals. 15 minutes.
Owen Dale (Portsmouth) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Marlon Pack. 18 mins.
Plymouth Argyle 1, Portsmouth 0. Sam Cosgrove left footed shot from very close range to the bottom right corner. 24 minutes. Miller's low shot is pushed out by Josh Oluwayemi and Cosgrove is left with a tap-in to give Plymouth the lead.
Marlon Pack tries an audacious effort from just inside the Plymouth half after spotting Callum Burton off his line, but can't quite keep the shot down. 36 mins.
Michael Jacobs tries to convert a cross from DI'Shon Bernard, but his shot is blocked by Gillesphey. 41 mins.
