Pompey are looking to start another winning run following their narrow midweek loss at Coventry. Prior to that, Kenny Jackett’s side had enjoyed a club record nine victories in succession in all competitions. This weekend sees them hosts a Shrewsbury side who have not tasted success in the league since just before Christmas. Their only triumph in that time was an FA Cup defeat of Championship side Bristol City, while they then held European champions Liverpool to a draw before exiting in the Anfield replay. In the league, however, the Shropshire outfit are enduring a slump that has seen them fall to 17th in the table. But there is a still a comfortable gap of 12 points between Sam Ricketts’ men and the relegation places. They were beaten 2-0 on home soil by Accrington on Tuesday night and head to the south coast with just three away league wins under their belt all season. It was the Shrews who came out on top when the sides met on the opening day of the campaign, though. A stunning strike from Ryan Giles settled a fairly cagey contest, while Ross McCrorie was dismissed on his debut late on. TEAM NEWS Andy Cannon is still sidelined with the glute injury that has kept him out of the past two games, although is close to a return. Bryn Morris is running outside again as he continues to step up his recovery from a long-term groin problem. Ollie Norburn is set to miss the rest of the season for Shrewsbury after injuring his knee in the FA Cup draw with Liverpool. The visitors will also be without Josh Vela (thigh), Brad Walker (hamstring) and Shaun Whalley (hamstring). HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 13 wins Shrewsbury: 10 wins 3 draws At Fratton Park Pompey: 10 wins Shrewsbury: 2 wins 1 draw TICKETS Pompey have sold out of seats for the game, with supporters advised to check if any become available via the ticket exchange. OFFICIALS Referee: Lee Swabey Assistants: Leigh Crowhurst and Mark Derrien Fourth Official: Stephen Brown BETTING Pompey are the 1/2 favourites with Sky Bet to secure all three points, while the visitors can be backed at 5/1.
You would hope that Pompey could win this one on merit but the high winds may be an unfortunate equalizer. I hope the ferries are running for you Woops.
It's pretty rough over here, with rain and high winds, so not bothering to attend today ! Hoping for three points in difficult conditions.
Ro-Shaun Williams (Shrewsbury Town) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul on Ronan Curtis. 19 minutes.
Another yellow for the Shrews, as Ethan Ebanks-Landell chops down Ellis Harrison. 21 minutes. That's two of the Shrews centre halves booked in a 2 minute spell !
Attempt blocked. Marcus Harness (Portsmouth) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 31 minutes.
Conor McAleny looks to curl a shot into the top corner on the edge of the box forcing Alex Bass to make a diving save. 33 minutes.
Attempt blocked. Cameron McGeehan (Portsmouth) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 40 minutes
Great strike from Steve Seddon from all of 30 yards, whistles over with keeper O'Leary at full stretch. 45 + 1 minute.
