The sight of Brett Pitman lifting the EFL Trophy aloft will still be fresh in the minds of the 40,000-plus Pompey fans at Wembley back in March. And now it all begins again, with Crawley visiting Fratton Park for the first fixture in Southern Group B. It is the third year in a row that the sides have met in this stage of the competition – and the Blues won both of the previous meetings. A 3-1 victory in Hampshire in October 2017 was followed by last season’s 1-0 success in West Sussex, courtesy of Dion Donohue’s strike. There have been only eight competitive meetings between the clubs since their first clash in 2012, with Pompey coming out on top on six occasions. Crawley currently sit eighth in the embryonic League Two table, as they seek a return to the third tier for the first time since 2015. They also saw off top-flight Norwich in the Carabao Cup last week to set up a third round clash with Stoke. Fans are reminded that a penalty shoot-out will be held in the event of today’s game finishing all square, with the winners earning a bonus point. TEAM NEWS Kenny Jackett is likely to make a number of changes tonight, but has still promised to field a strong side. Oli Hawkins and Ryan Williams are unlikely to feature after recently returning to full training, while Marcus Harness (thigh), Bryn Morris (groin) and Jack Whatmough (knee) are injured. Ronan Curtis (Republic of Ireland), Craig MacGillivray (Scotland) and Ross McCrorie (Scotland U21) are away on international duty. Defender Joe McNerney (back) is currently sidelined for the visitors, who otherwise have a clean bill of health. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 6 wins Crawley: 1 win 1 draw At Fratton Park Pompey: 3 wins Crawley: 1 win 0 draws OFFICIALS Referee: James Linington Assistants: Graham Kane and Nigel Lugg Fourth Official: Lee Collins BETTING Pompey are the 4/9 favourites with Sky Bet to secure all three points, while the visitors can be backed at 5/1.
Portsmouth could have new debutant against Crawley in EFL Trophy. please log in to view this image Josh Flint Josh Flint is set to be involved against Crawley as the Blues start the defence of the EFL Trophy. The versatile Waterlooville left-footer completed his two-year apprenticeship with the academy earlier this summer. Although he wasn't offered a third-year scholarship, Pompey kept the 18-year-old on during pre-season to help him regain his fitness, after breaking his arm last season. Flint, who attended Queen's Inclosure Primary School and Crookhorn College, featured for the Blues in their 4-2 friendly win at Woking. And now he’s been earmarked for a role to play against League Two Crawley. Boss Kenny Jackett said: ‘There will be one or two youngsters involved. ‘I’m just waiting on the side and will assess it but there’ll be one or two around. ‘We helped Josh recover from his injury and he’s left-footed - there aren’t many left-footers in our squad. ‘That’s going to be in his favour. Balancing off the side with two left-footers rather than we’ve generally had Ronan Curtis, who likes to cut inside. ‘The fans like to see local lads and there are a few around our youth department.’ Leon Maloney, who didn’t complete a deadline-day switch to Volendam, is likely to play his part after being on the bench against QPR and Blackpool. Joe Hancott, Pompey’s youngest player in the club’s history, may also be involved.
Here's the Crawley line-up... Crawley: Luyambula, Young, Payne, Dallison, Nadesan, Francomb, Nathaniel-George, Bloomfield, Allarakhia, Sendles-White, Powell. Subs: Morris, Doherty, Ferguson, Tunnicliffe, Forrest, Galach, Camara.
Gareth Evans into the Crawley box from a John Marquis pass, well tackled by Sendles-White as he shoots. 21st minute.
Ellis Harrison threads a ball through to Gareth Evans but his shot is from an acute angle and out for a goal kick. 30 minutes.
Gareth Evans down hurt as a he takes a whack in the back of the head. Sendles-White is booked for the challenge. 35 minutes.
John Marquis has a crack from 20 yards but his shot lacks conviction and Luyambula gathers. 39th minute.
Decent chance for Leon Maloney as he hits a half volley from Gareth Evans cross but Luyambula saves well. 40 minutes.
