Pompey and Charlton are both enjoying a run of fine form ahead of Saturday’s meeting at Fratton Park. The hosts have won six out of the past seven games in all competitions, while their opponents are enjoying a four-match winning run. It leaves them currently sitting in fifth and sixth position respectively – separated by a single point – in the League One standings. The Addicks most recent outing saw them beat struggling Oxford at The Valley on Tuesday evening, despite a red card for Ryan Inniss. They were relegated from the Championship on the final day of last season after suffering a heavy defeat at Leeds. But Lee Bowyer’s side could be forgiven if they were affected by the ongoing boardroom disputes and fan protests. The storm clouds appear to have parted now, however, with Danish businessman Thomas Sangaard recently purchasing the club. Charlton can certainly feel confident ahead of their visit to the south coast, having won on their four most recent visits to Pompey’s patch. The Last Post will be played ahead of Saturday’s game, while both sets of players and coaching staff observe a period of silence. TEAM NEWS Michael Jacobs is sidelined with a knee injury, although a scan has revealed that the midfielder does not require an operation. Ellis Harrison has returned to full training after missing the past three matches with a hamstring problem. Charlton are without the suspended duo of Ryan Inniss and Ben Watson, while Alfie Doughty (hamstring) is also out. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 45 wins Charlton: 36 wins 27 draws At Fratton Park Pompey: 27 wins Charlton: 16 wins 11 draws OFFICIALS Referee: Carl Boyeson Assistants: John Flynn and Michael Webb Fourth Official: John Busby BETTING Pompey are the 4/5 favourites with Sky Bet to secure all three points, while the visitors can be backed at 16/5.
Referee blows his whistle to start the match. Charlton kick off, with Pompey attacking the Milton End.
Attempt missed. Ronan Curtis (Portsmouth) right footed shot from the centre of the box, from a Marcus Harness pass. 5th minute.
Darren Pratley amazingly escapes a yellow card for a shocking studs up sliding challenge on Callum Johnson !
Attempt missed. Ronan Curtis (Portsmouth) right footed shot from outside the box is just a bit too high. Assisted by Andrew Cannon. 30 minutes.
Half-Time Match Stats:- Home Team: Portsmouth ........Away Team: Charlton Possession: Home 49% Away 51% Shots: Home 3 Away 2 Shots on Target: Home 0 Away 1 Corners: Home 4 Away 0 Fouls: Home 11 Away 7
Second half kicks off. Pompey have replaced Jack Whatmough with young Danish defender Rasmus Nicolaisen
Attempt saved. Andrew Cannon (Portsmouth) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by John Marquis. 50 minutes.
Attempt missed. John Marquis (Portsmouth) header from the centre of the box misses to the right. 51 minutes.
Attempt missed. Tom Naylor (Portsmouth) right footed shot from outside the box following a set piece situation. 53 minutes.
Attempt blocked. Andrew Shinnie (Charlton Athletic) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 54 minutes.
