Pompey will look to put their Papa John’s Trophy frustrations to one side when they return to League One action this weekend. Danny Cowley’s side head north to face a Rotherham side who were relegated from the Championship last term. In fact, the men from New York Stadium have become a bit of a yo-yo outfit in recent years, moving either up or down in each of the past five seasons. A 1-1 draw against Cardiff in Wales on the final day sealed the 2020/21 fate in heart-breaking fashion. The Millers were staying up until a curling effort from former Blues midfielder Marlon Pack with two minutes remaining condemned them to the drop. However, Paul Warne – who has been in charge since replacing Kenny Jackett in November 2016 – has got the side off to a positive start in their bid to make a swift return. United currently sit in fifth position and are just three points off top spot, with Michael Smith – a familiar name to the Fratton faithful – netting seven times in the league. Goals from Ronan Curtis, John Marquis and Ben Close secured a 3-2 victory when the sides last met at Fratton Park in November 2019. But the Blues were beaten on their only previous visit to New York Stadium a year earlier, as Smith teed-up Joe Mattock to score a stoppage-time header. TEAM NEWS Paul Downing (hamstring) and Ellis Harrison (ankle) are both expected to miss out after limping off injured during Tuesday’s Papa John’s Trophy defeat to Sutton. Former Rotherham defender Clark Robertson (hip) is also absent, along with Jayden Reid (knee) and Liam Vincent (shin). Ronan Curtis will serve a one-match ban after collecting his fifth booking of the season against Sunderland a fortnight ago. Former Blues loanee Mattock is likely to be available for the hosts after recovering from an Achilles problem, but Jamie Lindsay (hamstring) is injured. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 12 wins Rotherham: 10 wins 10 draws At Rotherham Pompey: 3 wins Rotherham: 8 wins 5 draws TICKETS Pompey sold more than 1,100 tickets for the game and collections can be made from the away ticket office. Please note that away fans cannot buy tickets at New York Stadium, so please do not travel to the ground if you have not bought a ticket. OFFICIALS Referee: Anthony Backhouse Assistants: Richard Wigglesworth and Mark Cunliffe Fourth Official: Matthew Smith BETTING Rotherham are the 77/100 favourites with VBET to secure all three points, while Pompey can be backed at 7/2.
Rotherham Utd Starting Line Up:- 1 Viktor Johansson 23 Rarmani Edmonds-Green 6 Richard Wood 20 Michael Ihiekwe 4 Daniel Barlaser 2 Wes Harding 18 Oliver Rathbone 8 Ben Wiles 14 Mickel Miller 24 Michael Smith 9 Will Grigg Substitutes 7 Kieran Sadlier 10 Freddie Ladapoo 11 Chiedozie Ogbene 17 Shane Ferguson 19 Joshua Kayode 22 Hakeem Odoffin 31 Josh Vickers
Attempt missed. Mahlon Romeo (Portsmouth) right footed shot from more than 35 yards is just a bit too high. Assisted by Joe Morrell following a corner. 6 minutes.
Attempt saved. Marcus Harness (Portsmouth) right footed shot from outside the box is saved. 23 minutes.
Attempt missed. Marcus Harness (Portsmouth) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left from a direct free kick.
Attempt missed. Michael Smith (Rotherham United) right footed shot from the right side of the box is high and wide to the left. Assisted by William Grigg.
Michael Ihiekwe (Rotherham United) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul on Gavin Bazunu. 41 minutes.
Half Time Match Stats:- Home Team: Rotherham .........Away Team: Portsmouth Possession: Home 48% Away 52% Shots: Home 4 Away 4 Shots on Target: Home 2 Away 2 Corners: Home 2 Away 2 Fouls: Home 7 Away 5
1-1 now with a goal from Marcus Harness, from outside the box, from a pass by Ryan Tunnicliffe. 49 minutes.