With most of the League One calendar falling victim to international call-ups last weekend, Pompey’s status as leaders was not in any threat. But they will be looking to maintain their standing when Blackpool make the trip down to Fratton Park on Saturday (3pm kick-off). John Mousinho’s men are also still duelling with fourth tier Mansfield for the status of the only professional side in the country yet to be beaten in the league. Their next opponents are currently sitting in eighth position and only outside of the play-off places on goal difference. The Seasiders were one of just four sides in the division in action last Saturday and eased to a 4-0 victory over Shrewsbury at Bloomfield Road. Jake Beesley bagged a brace on the Fylde coast, while Jordan Rhodes converted a penalty and Kyle Joseph also found the target. Neil Critchley – who guided the club to promotion in 2020/21 – returned to take charge following the club’s relegation from the Championship last term. After an opening day win over Burton, they failed to win any of the next four league games – a run that included three successive scoreless stalemates. They have picked up since then, but come to Fratton Park having collected just a single three-point haul on the road this season. Blackpool have won on each of their past three visits to Pompey’s patch, with the most recent success by the home side coming in 2017. TEAM NEWS Pompey will be without Tino Anjorin (hamstring), Josh Dockerill (knee), Tom Lowery (knee), Connor Ogilvie (ankle), Regan Poole (knee) and Anthony Scully (knee). Paddy Lane is also unlikely to feature after picking up a calf injury that forced him to withdraw from the Northern Ireland squad. But winger Josh Martin could make his Blues debut after signing a short-term deal with the club last week. Kylian Kouassi (hamstring) and Shayne Lavery (hamstring) are both missing for Blackpool, while Ollie Norburn (ribs) is a doubt. Former Fratton loanee Owen Dale is expected to feature for the visitors, having been used in a wing-back role this season. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 22 wins Blackpool: 29 wins 23 draws At Fratton Park Pompey: 15 wins Blackpool: 12 wins 10 draws TICKETS There are spaces in the Milton End, although these are selling fast, while fans can also check to see if seats become available via the ticket exchange. If you are heading to the game, then read our matchday guide to find out what is happening around the ground. OFFICIALS Referee: Ollie Yates Assistants: Ian Cooper and Greg Read Fourth Official: Wayne Cartmel MATCH COVERAGE Domestic iFollow subscribers can listen to live commentary from Rob Sills 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 four-camera coverage and 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 key updates throughout the game on Twitter and a detailed blog via the match centre. 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).
Blackpool Starting Line Up:- Daniel Grimshaw James Husband Matthew Pennington Owen Dale Sonny Carey Karamoko Dembele Kenny Dougall Jordan Rhodes Jack Beesley Marvin Expitita CJ Hamilton Substitutes:- Richard O'Donnell Callum Connolly Albie Morgan Kyle Joseph Jensen Weir Oliver Casey Andy Lyons
Pompey are giving recently signed winger Josh Martin his league debut today. Fit again skipper Marlon Pack makes the bench. Good news that Northern Irish winger Paddy Lane is fit to start the match.
0-1 to Blackpool, as ex-Pompey loanee Owen Dale scores. 9 minutes. Why couldn't he do it when at Pompey ?!
Pompey are playing some nice stuff now and one sweeping move ends with Husband and Ekpiteta throwing themelves in the path of Abu Kamara's shot. 17 minutes.
Colby Bishop nods home the resulting corner from Jack Sparkes, but the whistle had blown for a foul before the ball entered the net. 18 minutes.
Colby Bishop's shot is deflected behind and jack Sparkes plays the corner short. He receives the ball back from Lane and hits a dipping shot that a back-pedalling Grimshaw does well to tip over. 19 minutes.
Yellow card for Blackpool skipper Kenny Dougall for a foul on Joe Morrell on the edge of the box.. 23 minutes.
Alex Robertson header from the right side of the six yard box misses to the right. Assisted by Colby Bishop. 27 minutes.
How has that not gone in?! Jack Sparkes sends in a great low cross and Ekpiteta almost slices it into his own net, but Grimshaw makes a superb save. 34 minutes.
Paddy Lane left footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Alex Robertson. 40 minutes.
Paddy Lane left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses the top left corner. Assisted by Sean Raggett. 43 minutes.
