A host of familiar faces are heading down to the south coast this weekend, as Pompey and Wigan go in search of their first League One victory of the season. Kenny Jackett’s side have played out goalless draws with Shrewsbury and Rochdale in their opening two fixtures. The visitors have started with successive defeats to Ipswich and Gillingham following their relegation from the Championship last term. Ex-Blues boss Paul Cook left shortly afterwards, but his assistant Leam Richardson is now working under new manager John Sheridan. Jamal Lowe was another departure, while Kal Naismith and Gary Roberts remain and have been joined at the DW Stadium by winger Viv Solomon-Otabor, who previously had a spell on loan at Pompey. The Latics are still in financial strife following the decision by the Hong Kong-based Next Leader Fund to place the club in administration in July. That ultimately cost them their place in the second tier, with a 12-point deduction taking them from mid-table to the bottom three. Pompey won 2-1 when they last hosted Wigan back in April 2018, courtesy of goals from Brett Pitman and Lowe. TEAM NEWS Alex Bass (ankle) is still sidelined with an ankle injury, but Ronan Curtis is available after picking up a knock at Rochdale. Rasmus Nicolaisen could make his debut following a loan arrival from FC Midtjylland, while Michael Jacobs will hope to make his Fratton bow against his former club. Former Blues players Naismith and Solomon-Otabor are likely to feature for the visitors, but Roberts is missing with a hamstring problem. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 10 wins Wigan: 5 wins 4 draws At Fratton Park Pompey: 6 wins Wigan: 2 wins 2 draws OFFICIALS Referee: Antony Coggins Assistants: Christopher Kidd and Simon Shaw Fourth Official: Michael Begley BETTING Pompey are the 4/7 favourites with Sky Bet to secure all three points, while the visitors can be backed at 17/4.
4' Attempt blocked. Michael Jacobs (Portsmouth) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Callum Johnson.
8' Attempt missed. Tom Naylor (Portsmouth) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left.
8' Attempt blocked. Marcus Harness (Portsmouth) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked.
16' Attempt missed. Lee Evans (Wigan Athletic) right footed shot from the left side of the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Viv Solomon-Otabor.
Half-Time Match Stats:- Home Team: Portsmouth .........Away Team: Wigan Possession: Home 55% Away 45% Shots: Home 6 Away 5 Shots on Target: Home 0 Away 1 Corners: Home 4 Away 0 Fouls: Home 6 Away 7
