Pompey will make a welcome return to Fortress Fratton when they host MK Dons in League One this evening. Kenny Jackett’s side boast the only unbeaten home record in the division – and, for that matter, the entire EFL. So it is a welcome sight to see that six of their next seven fixtures take place on the south coast, which includes next Monday’s FA Cup clash with Arsenal. It is the battle for points that takes priority tonight, however, as the Blues look to make an instant return to the top six. Their opponents were in the drop zone when they beat Pompey in Buckinghamshire at the end of 2019. But Russell Martin’s men have since climbed 13 points clear of the relegation places and appear to have secured another season in the third tier. It comes after they beat Mansfield on the final day of the 2018/19 campaign in a winner-takes-all contest for the remaining League Two automatic promotion spot. The Blues won 2-0 when the sides last met at Fratton Park in October 2017, with Oli Hawkins bagging a brace. TEAM NEWS Kenny Jackett is hoping to have Andy Cannon available, with the midfielder’s glute injury keeping him out for the past three weeks. Ellis Harrison is also close to a comeback after withdrawing from the side to face Fleetwood just before kick-off with a dead leg. Meanwhile, Bryn Morris is continuing on his path back from a long-term abdominal problem and could return to full training this week. Former Fratton loanee Joe Mason will hope to feature for the visitors after recovering from a muscle strain, leaving the Dons with a fully fit squad. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 2 wins MK Dons: 1 win 2 draws At Fratton Park Pompey: 1 win MK Dons: 0 wins 1 draw TICKETS Pompey fans can secure their seat online here or by visiting the Anson Road ticket office. OFFICIALS Referee: Kevin Johnson Assistants: John Flynn and Paul Kelly Fourth Official: Adrian Tranter BETTING Pompey are the 4/7 favourites with Sky Bet to secure all three points, while the visitors are available at 9/2.
Pitman on the bench. Hope he comes on and scores. I notice a few chances tonight. KJ rotating the team as the fixtures are coming up thick and fast. Win all the League games we have at home and we would end up with 74 points. Should be enough for the play-offs this year.
During the course of the evening Pompey have been in four different positions, starting in 7th prior to kick-off. Within 5 minutes, and we were up to 6th. Alas, by half time we were in 8th and below Oxford who have a wonderful goal difference. By the 50th minute, back up to 6th thanks to Marquis and due to Fleetwood conceding such a late equaliser, Pompey are up to 5th. Perhaps by Friday evening before 10.00pm, PFC could be in 3rd but will no doubt be back in 5th or 6th come 5.00pm on Saturday afternoon. I will be a very happy fan if Pompey are in the play-offs at the end of the season. For those of a nervous disposition, it should be an event to be enjoyed as it is a second bite to get promotion. Besides which, it is a tremendous learning curve and stands the club in good stead for future experiences and challenges. With regard to some clubs, play-off is written large in their DNA profile, such as Charlton.
Hard to see how it could have been a better night for Pompey with a win and teams above and below them drawing! Oh! And no injuries that we know of!
Good win for us, with the opening goal from Andy Cannon - his first Pompey goal - after a shocking mistake by an MK Dons defender in the 4th minute. MK equalised just before half time with a penalty after Ross McCrorie pushed one of their players over in the box. Just after half time we regained the lead with a goal from John Marquis. Dons defender Carlton Morris was then shown a straight red card for hauling down Marquis when the Pompey scorer was through on goal. Marcus Harness scored our third goal in the 91st minute left footed shot from the centre of the box assisted by Sean Raggett with a headed pass. MK Dons played very well, with quick slick passing, but we defended well with Christian Burgess named man of the match. Tonight's attendance was 16,577 including 170 away fans.
Final Match Stats:- Home Team: Pompey .........Away Team: MK Dons Possession: Home 35% Away 65% Shots: Home 17 Away 13 Shots on Target: Home 7 Away 6 Corners: Home 10 Away 3 Fouls: Home 19 Away 12
As It .Stands:- .........Team .........P GD Pts 1 Rotherham ....33 25 61 2 Coventry .......32 16 61 3 Wycombe ......33 ..7 59 4 Sunderland ...33 19 58 5 Portsmouth ...32 16 56 6 Peterborough 33 26 55 7 Fleetwood ......32 12 55 8 Oxford Utd .....33 22 54 9 Ipswich ..........33 13 52 10 Gillingham ...33 ..9 50