Pompey have so far shown that they are not overawed by facing Championship opposition this season. They collected a point at promotion favourites Leeds last weekend before a much-changed side were only narrowly beaten by Millwall in the Carabao Cup. The next challenge on Saturday (12.30pm) is hosting a Luton outfit who have just come down from the Premier League. Rob Edwards’ men made an inauspicious start to life back at this level, however, crashing to heavy home defeat against Burnley. They trailed by two goals at the interval and although Tahith Chong reduced the deficit, the visitors struck twice more to secure a 4-1 win. Ross Barkley was the most notable departure from Kenilworth Road over the summer, leaving for Champions League-bound Aston Villa. And there have only been two players to sign over the summer so far – midfielder Shandon Baptiste and teenage defender Reuell Walters. Jamal Lowe struck the only goal when Pompey won the last Fratton contest between the sides on the opening day of the 2018/19 League One campaign. In fact, the Blues have not lost any of the past nine south coast clashes and you have to go back to 1975 to find the last time Luton left with a maximum haul. TEAM NEWS Jacob Farrell (ankle), Tom McIntyre (hamstring) and Josh Murphy (ankle) are all missing, while Kusini Yengi (groin) is a doubt. Regan Poole (knee) has not yet returned to full training, while Colby Bishop has recently undergone heart surgery. Mads Andersen, Jacob Brown, Reece Burke, Jordan Clark, Daiki Hashioka, Tim Krul and Marvelous Nakamba have all spent time in the Luton treatment room recently. VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM Read the thoughts of John Mousinho and Ryley Towler ahead of the game. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 17 wins Luton: 23 wins 13 draws At Fratton Park Pompey: 13 wins Luton: 4 wins 8 draws Last Home Meeting Pompey 1 (Lowe) Luton 0 League One August 4 2018 TICKETS Seats have sold out, although the ticket exchange will remain open until two hours before kick-off. Click here to read our matchday guide to find out what is happening around the ground ahead of the game. OFFICIALS Referee: John Busby Assistants: Lee Venamore and Robert Hyde Fourth Official: Josh Smith John Busby last took charge of a Pompey game when they were beaten 3-2 in a Carabao Cup defeat at Newport in August 2022, showing three yellow cards to each side. MATCH COVERAGE Supporters in the UK can watch the game live via the Sky Sports+ app, either via the app or on Sky channel 412. Fans based overseas can watch the game 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 in the Fratton Park studio by Andy Awford and Paul Robinson. 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 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.
Luton Town Starting Line Up:- Number 24, T. Kaminski Number3, A. Bell Number15, T. Mengi Number2, R. Walters Number45, A. Doughty Number26, S. Baptiste Number18, J. Clark Number7, C. Ogbene Number14, T. Chong Number9, C. Morris (c), Number11, E. Adebayo Substitutes:- Number 42, C. Chigozie Number39, A. Francis-Clarke Number29, T. Holmes Number38, J. Johnson Number17, P. Mpanzu Number37, Z. Nelson Number1, J. Shea Number25, J. Taylor Number10, C. Woodrow
Oh my, Luton's keeper has been sent off for a second yellow card after embracing his inner Norman Hunter. That's what you get for time wasting
Just looed at the Ipsiwch line-up against Liverpool. Pleased to see Conor Chaplin in the starting 11. Great reward for the superb form he has been in for the past 2 seasons. Good luch to Ipswich and I am sure they will stay up!!
Arghwhy were we so lackadaisical in the last minutes Could have had a couple of chances if they didn't keep passing it backwards
Final whistle. 0-0 draw. Luton down to ten men after 30 minutes, with Keeper Kaminski well out of his area, chopping down Paddy Lane, then Conor Ogilvie, and getting a well deserved red card for his trouble. Basically an end-to-end game, with chances for both sides. Will Norris made some excellent saves in the first half, and we controlled the second half. Reckon we should have won the game, if we had taken our chances. Still, a points a point, and still unbeaten in the league.
Final Match Stats:- Possession: Pompey - 66% .......Luton - 34% Shots:...............Pompey - 15...........Luton - 9 On Target:........ Pompey - 6.............Luton - 4 .Fouls:..............Pompey - 11............Luton - 12 Corners:...........Pompey - 5..............Luton - 4 Yellows:...........Pompey - 3...............Luton - 3 Reds:...............Pompey - 0...............Luton - 1
A bit disappointed not to win against 10 men, but considering there were two divisions between the sides last season, one can't complain too much
