No disrespect to Cambridge, but this is a three point banker for any side with aspirations of promotion
It is fair to say that both sides competing at Fratton Park on Saturday (3pm kick-off) will be keen to move on from last weekend. Pompey suffered a narrow reverse at MK Dons, ensuring their run of three successive league games on the road yielded a single point. Cambridge, meanwhile, were thrashed 5-1 on their own patch by Lincoln, with Joe Ironside’s strike proving no more than a consolation. It has, however, not been all bad for Mark Bonner’s men since finishing second in League Two to secure automatic promotion last term. They currently sit 16th in the standings, with two wins, two draws and two defeats from their opening six fixtures. Both of those successes came on home soil at the Abbey Stadium, as Burton were dispatched 3-0 and Bolton edged out by a 1-0 scoreline. A big loss for United was the summer departure of Paul Mullin to ambitious Wrexham after the striker hit 32 goals to finish as the fourth tier’s 2020/21 leading marksman. Pompey’s last meeting with Cambridge came at Fratton Park in April 2017 – just a few days after promotion had been claimed at Notts County. Goals from Carl Baker and Kal Naismith ensured the party continued and kept the Blues’ title hopes alive. TEAM NEWS Miguel Azeez could make his debut after sitting on the bench at MK Dons last week, but Jayden Reid (knee) and Liam Vincent (shin) remain sidelined. Greg Taylor (ankle) is missing for the visitors, who could include Pompey academy graduate Adam May in their ranks. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 14 wins Cambridge: 1 win 3 draws At Fratton Park Pompey: 8 wins Cambridge: 0 wins 1 draw OFFICIALS Referee: Gavin Ward Assistants: Graham Kane and Nigel Lugg Fourth Official: Darren Blunden BETTING Pompey are the 5/8 favourites with VBET to secure all three points, while the visitors can be backed at 9/2.
Good news that youngster Miguel Azeez makes his long awaited debut in midfield for Pompey, and that Ellis Harrison replaces goal shy John Marquis in attack ! No Clark Robertson in the centre of defence, where he is replaced by Paul Downing (). Can only presume that Robertson has picked up an injury, as not even named on the bench.
Cambridge United Starting Line-Up:- 1 Dimitar Mitov 2 George Williams 6 Lloyd Jones 24 Conor Masterson 3 Jack Iredale 18 Shilow Tracey 19 Adam May 4 Paul Digby 8 Liam O'Neil 7 James Brophy 9 Joe Ironside Substitutes 10 Sam Smith 11 Harrison Dunk 13 Kai McKenzie-Lyle 15 Jubril Okedina 16 Jensen Weir 23 Jack Lankester 26 Harvey Knibbs
Attempt missed. Ellis Harrison (Portsmouth) header from very close range is too high. Assisted by Ronan Curtis with a headed pass following a corner. 22 mins.
Attempt blocked. Miguel Azeez (Portsmouth) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Ellis Harrison. 28 mins.
0-1 to Cambridge, with a headed goal from Joe Ironside. Assisted by George Williams with a cross. 38 minutes.
Attempt saved. Adam May (Cambridge United) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Paul Digby. 44 mins.
Half Time Match Stats:- Home Team: Portsmouth ..........Away Team: Cambridge Possession: Home 62% Away 38% Shots: Home 2 Away 4 Shots on Target: Home 0 Away 2 Corners: Home 4 Away 4 Fouls: Home 5 Away 3
Poor first half for us, with no shots on target. The visitors have flooded the midfield with players, with their goal coming completely out of the blue. The Cowley boys need to change things at half time, and I'm sure they will. Hopefully, we will play much better in the second half.
Shaun Williams booked for a foul, after winning the ball in a challenge. Poor decision by the ref. 48 minutes.
Pompey double substitution: John Marquis for Ellis Harrison, and Louis Thompson for Miguel Azeez. 59 mins.
