Pompey's run of three consecutive away games continues with a League One trip to Port Vale on Saturday (3pm kick-off). A return to winning ways against Fleetwood last Saturday, coupled with Derby's midweek loss at Reading, means that John Mousinho's men are still sitting at the top of the table. Their 18th-placed opponents, meanwhile, will be keen to increase the four-point gap that separates them from the relegation zone. The Valiants have played the fewest number of fixtures in the division, though, and have as many as three games in hand on the sides below them. With a contest at Reading abandoned due to supporter protests and a clash with Wycombe falling victim to a frozen pitch, Andy Crosby's outfit have not been in action for three weeks. Their last outing, on January 6, saw Gavin Massey grab a late leveller in Burslem to secure a 3-3 draw with Charlton. Dane Scarlett's strike midway through the first half ensured Pompey won last season's corresponding fixture on their first visit to Vale Park for 22 years. And the Blues also came out on top on home soil earlier in the current campaign, with Colby Bishop bagging a brace in October's 2-0 victory. TEAM NEWS Joe Morrell should be fit after taking a nasty knock at Fleetwood, but Joe Rafferty – who missed that match with a stiff neck is a doubt. Midfielder Myles Peart-Harris could make his Blues bow after completing a loan switch from Brentford earlier in the week. Tino Anjorin (hamstring), Josh Dockerill (knee), Regan Poole (knee), Alex Robertson (hamstring), Ben Stevenson (knee) and Zak Swanson (groin) are all still sidelined. Mitch Clark (knee), Ben Garrity (hamstring), Funso Ojo (hamstring) and James Plant (shoulder) are expected to miss out for the hosts, who could hand a debut to new loan signing Dan Gore. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 20 wins Port Vale: 9 wins 9 draws On the road Pompey: 9 wins Port Vale: 6 wins 3 draws TICKETS Fans can no longer purchase tickets directly from Pompey, but they can be bought (online only) from Port Vale on the day of the game. OFFICIALS Referee: Craig Hicks Assistants: Darren Wilding and Kenwyn Hughes Fourth Official: Matt Corlett MATCH COVERAGE Domestic iFollow subscribers can listen to live commentary from Andrew Moon and Guy Whittingham by signing into their account and visiting the match centre from around 2pm on Saturday. Overseas subscribers and match pass holders can watch all the action live, with replays and accompanying commentary. Click here for more information about using iFollow on a matchday and click here for information on downloading the app, so you can access content on your mobile device. We will have key updates throughout the game on Twitter and a detailed blog via the match centre. There will be post-match reaction on the website and our official YouTube channel, with highlights to follow on Sunday. Local listeners can hear commentary by tuning in to either BBC Radio Solent or Express FM (not available online).
Port Vale Starting Line Up:- 1 Connor Ripley GK 17 Alex Iacovitti DF 16 Jason Lowe DF 6 Nathan Smith (C) DF 19 Gavin Massey MF 15 Conor Grant MF 44 Daniel Gore MF 20 Jensen Weir MF 12 Uche Ikpeazu FW 10 Ethan Chislett FW 29 James Wilson FW Substitutes:- 13 Jayson Leutwiler 27 Jesse Debrah 4 Tom Sang 23 Jack Shorrock 25 Baylee Dipepa 9 Ryan Loft 24 Rhys Walters
Abu Kamara slides the ball across for Paddy Lane inside the box and his shot is deflected wide by Lowe. 8 minutes.
Good work from Miles Peart-Harris and Paddy Lane sees the ball sit up nicely for Terry Devlin, who blazes it over the bar. 11 minutes.
Miles Peart-Harris plays a lovely cross-field pass for Terry Devlin and gets into the box for the return, but his effort is deflected wide. 13 minutes.
Port Vale struggle to get the corner clear and Connor Ogilvie fires narrowly over from the edge of the box. 13 minutes.
Paddy Lane's free-kick is not dealt with and Miles Peart-Harris sends in a low shot that Massey stops from entering the net. 25 minutes.
Paddy Lane's low ball into the centre is helped on by Colby Bishop and Terry Devlin fires over from a tight angle at the back post. 27 minutes.
Sean Raggett meets the corner from Paddy Lane, but his header is caught by Connor Ripley. 34 minutes.
