It is the time of year when you struggle to sleep because of all the anticipation, but the big day has finally arrived. No, forget about Christmas – it’s first versus second in League One as Pompey welcome Bolton to Fratton Park (8pm kick-off). The magnitude of the occasion can be experienced by the rest of the nation, with the Sky Sports cameras broadcasting the contest live. John Mousinho’s men briefly relinquished top spot after losing to Blackpool in their last south coast outing, only to return to the summit with victory at Northampton nine days ago. Their opponents are currently three points behind, but with a better goal difference and are enjoying a fine run of form. A goalless draw at Oxford in their most recent league fixture is the only time that Wanderers have failed to win in the past 11 matches. It is a run that as well as seeing them apply pressure on Pompey, has taken Ian Evatt’s side into the third round of the FA Cup and last 16 of the Bristol Street Motors Trophy. You have to go all the way back to October 7 to find their last defeat – a 3-1 home reverse against Carlisle. And Pompey fought from behind to win by the same scoreline in the most recent meeting between the teams back in February, courtesy of Ryley Towler’s brace and a Colby Bishop goal at Fratton Park. TEAM NEWS Pompey are missing Tino Anjorin (hamstring), Colby Bishop (ankle), Josh Dockerill (knee), Connor Ogilvie (ankle), Regan Poole (knee) and Anthony Scully (knee). But Joe Morrell is available again after completing a two-match ban for collecting his second red card of the season against Blackpool. Bolton are close to having a fully-fit squad to choose from, with George Johnston (knee) and Dan Nlundulu (hamstring) the only absentees. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 37 wins Bolton: 44 wins 23 draws At Fratton Park Pompey: 27 wins Bolton: 9 wins 15 draws TICKETS Seats have almost completely sold out in the home areas of the ground. If you are coming to the game, click here to read our matchday guide and find out what is happening around the ground. OFFICIALS Referee: Paul Howard Assistants: Robert Hyde and Matthew Smith Fourth Official: Alan Young MATCH COVERAGE Supporters based in the UK can watch the match live on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event. 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 7pm. 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 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 Tuesday. Local listeners can hear commentary by tuning in to either BBC Radio Solent or Express FM (not online).
Bolton Wanderers Starting Line Up:- 1 Nathan Baxter 2 Gethin Jones 5 Ricardo Almeida Santos 18 Eoin Toal 8 Josh Sheehan 12 Josh Dacres-Cogley 4 George Thomason 19 Paris Maghoma 27 Randell Williams 9 Jon Bödvarsson 10 Dion Charles Substitutes:- 3 Jack Iredale 7 Carlos Mendes Gomes 14 Victor Adeboyejo 15 William Forrester 16 Aaron Morley 22 Kyle Dempsey 35 Cameron Jerome
How has he missed that?! Böðvarsson gets on the end of Maghoma's cross and his header is superbly saved by Will Norris. But the loose ball falls for Dion Charles and with the goal gaping, he somehow screws wide. 28 minutes.
Abu Kamara has caused Eoin Toal all kinds of problems and after beating the defender again, he tries to find Kusini Yengi, who can't flick the ball home. 31 minutes.
Kusini Yengi slips at an inopportune moment, but Pompey keep the attack alive and pass the ball around nicely before a low Alex Robertson shot draws a smart save from Baxter. 33 minutes.
Kusini Yengi right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved. 43 minutes. Abu Kamara's header sends Kusini Yengi racing away and he does brilliantly to beat Almeida Santos and get a shot away. Nathan Baxter gets something on it, but the ball is still trickling towards the net and Gethin Jones makes a crucial clearance with Abu Kamara bearing down on him.
1-0 to Pompey, with a goal from Conor Shaughnessy. 45 minutes. Jack Sparkes swings in the corner and Conor Shaughnessy gets on the end of it to glance the ball home. please log in to view this image Photo: Graham Hunt/Pro Sports Images
Half Time Match Stats:- Home Team: Portsmouth .............Away Team: Bolton Possession: Home 49% Away 51% Shots: Home 5 Away 6 Shots on Target: Home 3 Away 1 Corners: Home 2 Away 0 Fouls: Home 6 Away 3
Kusini Yengi left footed shot from a difficult angle on the left is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Jack Sparkes. 47 minutes.
Nathan Baxter can't keep hold of Paddy Lane's fierce low shot, but manages to grab the ball before Kusini Yengi can get there. 55 minutes.
