Yep, kick off is at 7.45 pm tomorrow. The above was merely advertising the fact that Express FM were discussing the match live this evening
Pompey have enjoyed plenty of success in the EFL Trophy in recent years. They beat Sunderland on penalties at a packed Wembley in 2019 and are still waiting to face Salford in last season’s final. In fact, you have to go back two years and nine months to find the last time they lost in the competition. And the Blues know that victory in this evening’s Southern Group A contest at Southend would see them progress to this term’s knockout stages with a game to spare. Even a draw would be enough to qualify should they win the resulting penalty shoot-out and claim a bonus point. Their opponents were relegated from League One last season, with ex-Fratton coach Kevin Bond replaced as manager midway through by Pompey’s FA Cup-winning skipper Sol Campbell. He departed following their fall into the basement, with Mark Molesley leaving Weymouth to take charge at Roots Hall. The Shrimpers have had a difficult start to the current campaign, although did collect their first point in Saturday’s 1-1 stalemate at Crawley. Pompey fans might still be having nightmares about the last clash between the sides in Essex, when they let slip a three-goal lead to draw 3-3 in February 2019. They also met at Roots Hall in the EFL Trophy the previous month, when goals from Louis Dennis and Gareth Evans secured a comfortable 2-0 victory for the Blues. TEAM NEWS Pompey have no injury concerns, but are likely to make several changes from the side that won at Burton in the league on Saturday. Alex Bass will replace Craig MacGillivray between the sticks, while on-loan Danish defender Rasmus Nicolaisen is in line to make his debut. Southend will be missing right-back Elvis Bwomono, who has been called up for international duty with Uganda. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 19 wins Southend: 11 wins 9 draws At Southend Pompey: 5 wins Southend: 9 wins 5 draws OFFICIALS Referee: Paul Howard Assistants: Stephen Finch and Scott Williams Fourth Official: Andy Bennett BETTING Pompey are the 1/2 favourites with Sky Bet to secure all three points, while the hosts can be backed at 9/2.
Southend (4-4-2): Oxley (c); Hobson, Dieng, Taylor, Clifford; Egbri, Gard, Phillips, Kyprianou; Acquah , Rush Sub not used: Seaden; K Coker; O Coker; Nathaniel-George Match kicks off.
Good move and link-up play from Cameron Pring, John Marquis, Andy Cannon and Ryan Williams. It broke to Ben Close who hit one wide from distance. A strong start. 3 minutes.
Pass from Lewis Gard was cut out by John Marquis, who sent Ryan Williams away on goal. Slight angle but he goes for goal with his second attempt and drags it wide. Two early chances already. 4 minutes.
Almost a goal in 5 minutes for the debutant. Superb corner from Cameron Pring finds Rasmus Nicolaisen in the area but the Danish defender volleyed over. All Pompey so far.
Pompey counter A good chance came from it. Clearance from the back line and it eventually found its way to Ryan Williams. He turned onto his left and got a shot away, forcing a good save from the feet of Mark Oxley. 13 minutes.
Half chance again James Bolton finds the run of Ryan Williams, who crosses into the box. Haji Mnoga got a touch but was unable to steer it goal bound. 19 minutes.
A good run from Haji Mnoga, and he cuts in and hits one with his left foot, forcing a save. He has looked excellent so far. 25 minutes.
Good play from Ryan Williams, who passes to John Marquis whose shot is saved by Mark Oxley. 37 minutes.
