Two sides will be aiming to preserve their unbeaten starts to the season when Pompey host Exeter this evening (8pm kick-off). Both have collected four points from their opening two League One matches and progressed in the Carabao Cup. Tonight's opponents netted twice inside the opening five minutes in a 3-0 opening day victory at Wycombe and followed that up with a goalless home draw against Blackpool. Sandwiched between was a 2-1 cup success over Crawley that has set-up a second round clash with Stevenage at St James Park later this month. The Sky Sports cameras are broadcasting tonight’s contest to the nation – and if it is anything like the last time this fixture was televised, viewers are in for a treat. Pompey struck twice in stoppage-time to dramatically win 3-2 and book a place at Wembley for the 2020 EFL Trophy final. They also took four points off the Grecians last season, including a 2-0 triumph here on the south coast. That was John Mousinho’s first match in charge after being appointed head coach a day earlier, with Marlon Pack and Joe Morrell getting the goals. TEAM NEWS Josh Dockerill (knee) and Tom Lowery (knee) are both sidelined for Pompey, but Paddy Lane has returned to full training following an ankle injury. Gabe Billington (ankle) and Harry Kite (knee) are the only members of Exeter’s squad currently in the treatment room. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 16 wins Exeter: 6 wins 9 draws At Fratton Park Pompey: 10 wins Exeter: 4 wins 1 draw TICKETS Secure your seat online here and save money on booking fees or pay a visit to the Anson Road ticket office. 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: Tom Reeves Assistants: Daniel Cook and Paul Kelly Fourth Official: David Rock 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 Wednesday. Local listeners can hear commentary by tuning in to either BBC Radio Solent or Express FM (not online).
So, it's a well deserved starting debut for 20 year old Aussie international Alex Robertson who is on loan from Man City for the season. He replaces Christian Saydee who drops to the bench, alongside Abu Kamara who is replaced in the starting line up by Anthony Scully.
Best chance yet for the hosts, as Alex Robertson shimmies past a challenge and hits a fierce shot that's pushed away by Sinisalo. 29 minutes.
Conor Ogilvie drills in a low shot from the edge of the box that's parried away by Sinisalo and hacked away by Will Aimson. 35 minutes.
Joe Rafferty's cross eventually makes its way through to Colby Bishop, whose shot is saved by Sinisalo. 39 minutes.
Close. Anthony Scully finds Alex Robertson on the edge of the box and the Aussie fires narrowly past the post. 45 + 3 minutes.
Half time whistle. 0-0. Pompey have had the better chances so far. We could do with either Kusini Yengi or Christian Saydee alongside Colby Bishop up front.
Half Time Match Stats:- Home Team: Portsmouth ........Away Team: Exeter Possession: Home 68% Away 32% Shots: Home 5 Away 2 Shots on Target: Home 4 Away 1 Corners: Home 5 Away 2 Fouls: Home 2 Away 7
