Pompey will be looking to prove they can perform as well at Fratton Park as they can on the road when they host Northampton this evening (7.45pm kick-off). Kenny Jackett’s fifth-placed side go into the contest on the back of successive away victories at Gillingham and Sunderland. But they have lost two of their four League One fixtures on home soil so far this season – including a narrow defeat to Doncaster in their last south coast outing. The Blues’ opponents tonight are sitting down in 19th position, having collected seven points from eight games. Keith Curle’s Cobblers were beaten 2-0 by Charlton at Sixfields Stadium at the weekend and their only away success came at Shrewsbury more than a month ago. Northampton occupied the final play-off position when the 2019/20 League Two season was halted back in March. It looked like their promotion dreams were over after losing 2-0 to Cheltenham in the first leg, but they turned the tie around and then thrashed Exeter 4-0 at an empty Wembley. The sides met in the EFL Trophy last term, with Leon Maloney and Marcus Harness on target in a 2-1 Pompey win. And it was 3-1 to the Blues at Fratton Park – courtesy of Oli Hawkins’ brace and a Matty Kennedy strike – in the most recent league clash in December 2017. TEAM NEWS Michael Jacobs is set to be out until at least the end of November with a knee problem, while tonight’s game might come too soon for Ellis Harrison (hamstring). Recent arrival Jordy Hiwula is still waiting to make his Blues bow after sitting on the bench at Sunderland. Northampton are without Joseph Mills (ankle), Joe Nuttall (knee) and Scott Pollock (groin), who have all undergone surgery. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 19 wins Northampton: 10 wins 7 draws At Fratton Park Pompey: 13 wins Northampton: 3 wins 4 draws OFFICIALS Referee: Trevor Kettle Assistants: Ryan Whitaker and Joseph Stokes Fourth Official: Justin Amey BETTING Pompey are the 4/11 favourites with Sky Bet to secure all three points, while the visitors can be backed at 6/1.
Great interception from Ryan Watson after Tom Naylor gets tangled. Superb turn past Sean Raggett to go one on one and he’s shanked it wide. Huge chance for the Cobblers. 16 minutes.
Attempt saved. Lee Brown (Portsmouth) left footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Ryan Williams. 18 minutes.
Attempt blocked. Ronan Curtis (Portsmouth) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Lee Brown. 32 minutes.
Attempt blocked. Marcus Harness (Portsmouth) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.. 37 minutes.
Portsmouth 1, Northampton Town 0. John Marquis (Portsmouth) left footed shot from the centre of the box. 39 minutes. His 4th goal of the season.
Attempt saved. John Marquis (Portsmouth) left footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Marcus Harness. 40th minute.
A win tonight would be a good confidence booster for the Charlton game. They are our bogey team or just a tad better.
Half-Time Match Stats:- Home Team: Portsmouth ...........Away Team: Northampton Possession: Home 46% Away 54% Shots: Home 7 Away 2 Shots on Target: Home 4 Away 0 Corners: Home 7 Away 1 Fouls: Home 7 Away 7
