There is often talk of a curse following the award of a ‘Manager of the Month’ prize and Danny Cowley was the latest recipient of the League One prize. But there is some good news for Blues fans who are looking for a lucky omen following that piece of news. The last Pompey boss to collect such an award was Paul Cook in April 2017 and he immediately guided his side to a 6-1 victory over Cheltenham to secure the fourth tier title. There is nothing quite so important at stake this weekend, although three points against Morecambe would still provide a festive treat. Danny Cowley’s men are currently on an eight-match unbeaten run in the league and sit ninth in the standings. Their next opponents, meanwhile, are down in 20th spot and just a single point above the drop zone. Stephen Robinson’s troops are looking to bounce back from a 5-0 humbling at Sunderland earlier in the week. The Shrimps secured the League Two title at the end of last term, by beating Newport after extra-time at Wembley They have not won any of their four previous visits to Fratton Park, with Kal Naismith on target as the most recent clash finished 1-1. TEAM NEWS Pompey are continuing to be hampered by a sickness bug, with Michael Jacobs and Joe Morrell among the players struggling. Clark Robertson is back on the grass as he steps up his recovery from a long-term hip problem and could return to action by the end of December. Lee Brown (back), Louis Thompson (abdominal), Ryan Tunnicliffe (hamstring), Paul Downing (calf) and Jayden Reid (knee) are all still sidelined. Morecambe midfielder Shane McLoughlin is available again after serving a one-match ban, but summer signing Jon Obika has yet to feature after injuring his hamstring. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 2 wins Morecambe: 2 wins 4 draws At Fratton Park Pompey: 2 wins Morecambe: 0 wins 2 draws TICKETS Tickets are available to buy online here or from the Anson Road ticket office. Fans buying tickets on a matchday can also visit the booth behind the Fratton End, but please note that prices increase if not purchased in advanced. Fratton Park is now a cashless stadium, with contactless payments will be required in all food kiosks and hospitality areas, as well as for the purchase of tickets. The Victory Bar will be open for home fans from midday on Saturday. OFFICIALS Referee: Charles Breakspear Assistants: Leigh Crowhurst and Garry Maskell Fourth Official: Stuart Butler BETTING Pompey are the 1/2 favourites with VBET to secure all three points, while the visitors can be backed at 5/1.
Ronan Curtis has our first effort towards goal, but his half-volley from 25 yards out flies very narrowly wide. 6 minutes.
Attempt blocked. Mahlon Romeo (Portsmouth) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 6 minutes.
Attempt missed. Ronan Curtis (Portsmouth) right footed shot from the left side of the box is just a bit too high. Assisted by Reeco Hackett-Fairchild. 10 minutes.
Portsmouth 1, Morecambe 0. Marcus Harness (Portsmouth) right footed shot from very close range. George Hirst's effort is deflected onto the bar, Miguel Azeez hits the post from the rebound, but MarcusHarness is there to slam home! 11 minutes. please log in to view this image
Attempt blocked. George Hirst (Portsmouth) right footed shot from the right side of the six yard box is blocked. 11 minutes.
We're playing some nice stuff here, and a lovely move results in Ronan Curtis forcing Kyle Letheren to make a save. 30 minutes.
Attempt blocked. Adam Phillips (Morecambe) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 38 minutes.
Attempt blocked. George Hirst (Portsmouth) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 43 minutes.
Reeco Hackett bends a free-kick around the Morecambe wall, but Kyle Letheren is behind it. 44 minutes.
Half time whistle goes, and it's 1-0 to Pompey. Well deserved lead, with a 10th goal of the season for Marcus Harness.
