Pompey return to Fratton Park this evening for a proverbial 'six-pointer' against Cardiff in the Championship (7.45pm kick-off). John Mousinho's men received plenty of plaudits for their impressive performance at Sheffield United on Saturday, but ultimately left empty-handed. That defeat left the Blues 20th in the standings – just one point and a single place behind their next opponents. City do, however, have a game in hand after taking a break from league action to secure FA Cup progress at the weekend. A much-changed side drew 3-3 away to fellow strugglers Stoke before triumping on penalties to secure a trip to top-flight Aston Villa in round five. But survival is surely the priority for Omer Riza's side, who had gone seven Championship matches unbeaten before being routed 7-0 at table-topping Leeds 10 days ago. And, like their hosts, the Bluebirds do not normally travel well, with December's 2-1 win at Watford the only time they have collected three points outside of south Wales. Pompey are looking for their first league victory over Cardiff at Fratton Park since 1974, while the reverse fixture earlier this season saw them beaten 2-0. The most recent south coast contest came at this level in August 2011, when Kanu scored a late leveller in a 1-1 draw. TEAM NEWS Ibane Bowat (knee), Jacob Farrell (knee), Paddy Lane (knee), Regan Poole (hamstring), Jordan Williams (hamstring) and Kusini Yengi (knee) are all currently sidelined. Recent arrivals Adil Aouchiche, Kaide Gordon and Ben Killip could feature for Pompey at Fratton Park for the first time. Bluebirds boss Omer Riza will not be in the dugout, as he serves a touchline ban, while Isaak Davies (hamstring), Ollie Tanner (knee) and David Turnbull (hamstring) are expected to miss out. But Josh Murphy, Marlon Pack and Cardiff's Alex Robertson will all be hoping to make an appearance against their former club. VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM Read the thoughts of John Mousinho ahead of the big game. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 24 wins Cardiff: 23 wins 15 draws At Fratton Park Pompey: 12 wins Cardiff: 8 wins 8 draws Last Home Meeting Pompey 1 (Kanu) Cardiff 1 (Taylor) Championship August 27 2011 TICKETS Tickets are still available, so click here to secure your seat for the game. Click here to read our matchday guide and find out what is happening around the ground ahead of the game. OFFICIALS Referee: Tom Nield Assistants: Mark Dwyer and Greg Read Fourth Official: Andy Davies Nield last took charge of Pompey when they were heavily beaten at Stoke back in October, showing two yellow cards to the hosts and one for the Blues to Paddy Lane. He has taken charge of 23 games so far this season, booking a total of 100 players and sending off just one – to West Brom's Kyle Bartley on Saturday. MATCH COVERAGE Supporters in the UK can watch the game live via the Sky Sports+ app. Those based overseas can see all the action on Pompey+, either through a monthly/annual subscription or by purchasing a match pass. The matchday show is live before the game for Pompey+ subscribers and overseas fans with a video subscription/match pass. George Wedlake will be joined by Andy Awford and Hannah Haughton in the Fratton Park studio. Fans can get involved by sending messages and voicenotes to our Pompey+ WhatsApp channel* on +44 7457 413694 or via this link. Please note that the half-time and post-match shows are only available to watch for fans in regions where the game is being shown live on Pompey+. Audio commentary from Andrew Moon and Guy Whittingham is available for Pompey+ subscribers or those who purchase an audio subscription/match pass. Click here for more details about using Pompey+, including the answers to some frequently asked questions. Locally-based fans who are not going to the game can listen, as always, via BBC Radio Solent or Express FM (not available online). *Please note that the WhatsApp service is only for sending messages to appear on the matchday show. The club will not be able to reply to any messages.
please log in to view this image Pompey are delighted to be using the Rainbow Ball for tonight's match with Cardiff. For every goal scored, PUMA will make a donation to Football v Homophobia to support the charity's ongoing work in tackling discrimination in this area.
Callum Lang right footed shot from outside the box misses to the right following a corner. 14 minutes.
2-0 now with a headed goal from Conor Shaughtnesy from a Josh Murphy corner kick. 17 minutes. Conor's first goal since coming back from injury.
Josh Murphy left footed shot from the left side of the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Andre Dozzell. 19 minutes.
Josh Murphy left footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the top left corner. Assisted by Colby Bishop. 27 minutes.
Callum Lang charges down Alnwick's clearance and Matt Ritchie nods the ball to Colby Bishop, but there are enough Cardiff bodies back to deny the striker. 38 minutes.
