Portsmouth will be without striker Oli Hawkins for Saturday's Sky Bet League One clash against Blackpool at Fratton Park. Hawkins has been troubled by a calf muscle issue during the past couple of weeks, missing the FA Cup victory over Norwich last Saturday and is set to be sidelined for the next couple of matches. League leaders Pompey are also set to be without full-backs Nathan Thompson and Lee Brown, who have hamstring injuries, together with Ben Close (ankle). Portsmouth go into this weekend's encounter with a five-point lead over second-placed Luton. Blackpool, fresh from taking on Arsenal in the FA Cup, could be without goalkeeper Mark Howard. Howard went off during the cup-tie because of a groin injury, and is thought to be a major doubt, with Christoffer Mafoumbi set to deputise. In a boost for the Tangerines, though, Jordan Thompson is available again following suspension. And three other players - Curtis Tilt, Ollie Turton and Ben Heneghan - all look set to be available for selection following recent absences due to injuries and illness. Portsmouth have won three of their last four league games against Blackpool (L1), this after picking up just three victories in the previous 11 (D6 L2). Blackpool won at Fratton Park in the league last season, ending a seven-game winless run on the road against Portsmouth, where they failed to score on six occasions (D3 L4) - they haven't won successive league games at Portsmouth since September 1971. Portsmouth have won six of their last seven home games in all competitions, losing the other 1-2 to Charlton in December. Blackpool have gone five games without a win in all competitions (D1 L4), their longest winless run since February 2018 (six games). Portsmouth's Brett Pitman has scored six goals in his last three league appearances against Blackpool. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 22 wins Blackpool: 26 wins 22 draws At Fratton Park Pompey: 15 wins Blackpool: 10 wins 10 draws BETTING Pompey are the 3/5 favourites with Sky Bet to secure all three points, while the visitors can be backed at 19/4.
Portsmouth FCVerified account@officialpompey please log in to view this image Andre Green is rewarded for his goal at Norwich with a start for #Pompey against Blackpool please log in to view this image 6:00 AM - 12 Jan 2019 from Portsmouth, England
Portsmouth FCVerified account@officialpompey please log in to view this image Attritional. Not too much to shout about from either side in the opening half an hour (0-0) #Pompey please log in to view this image 7:32 AM - 12 Jan 2019 0 replies 1 retweet 6 likes
please log in to view this image Portsmouth FCVerified account@officialpompey 12m12 minutes ago Thompson's clearance catches his team-mate Gnanduillet in the face, drawing unsympathetic laughter from the stands (24 mins) (0-0) #Pompey
Not a lot going on at the moment - commos' chatting about players and potential signings. Blackpool looking the most dangerous side. Front 4 not seeing much of the ball.
please log in to view this image Portsmouth FCVerified account@officialpompey 2m2 minutes ago please log in to view this image An interesting approach to man-marking from Blackpool’s Armand Gnanduillet... please log in to view this image (0-0) #Pompey please log in to view this image 3 replies 2 retweets 11 likes
please log in to view this image Neil AllenVerified account@pn_neil_allen #Pompey 0 Blackpool 0 HT. Uninspiring, lacklustre, drab, generally awful from the hosts. No shots on target and very little created. Green not in the game as a number 10, Evans lost in holding role. Defensively sound, in fairness. But no energy or ideas coming forward. 7:49 AM - 12 Jan 2019 1 reply 1 retweet 1 like Can't wait for Wooperts review of the match.
The referee and the 4th official have changed places - Graham Kane now refereeing - Oh, it seems the Ref Kevin Johnson is injured. Some amusement with the crowd singing "You're not fit to referee "
25 minutes to go and the BBC stats say only 4 shots in the whole game so far with just one (for Blackpool) on target. Both 'keepers were last seen in the Lamb & Flag supping a pint of ale