Pompey take on Accrington Stanley at Fratton Park tomorrow looking to book their place in the third round of the FA Cup for the first time since 2012.
Team News
Caolan Lavery will miss the match as Sheffield Wednesday haven't given him permission to play in the competition so his place will likely fall to either Conor Chaplin or the returning Jayden Stockley.
Accrington's Dean Winnard will be missing due to illness but John Coleman is expected to field a strong side for the tie.
The Match
A few years ago a home cup tie against Accrington would have been seen as a charming formality but reaching the coveted third round of the FA Cup is going to be a tough task.
Stanley have won five of their last six matches, the latest of which was a 5-1 thrashing of York which may have put Pompey's own 6-0 decimation over the Minstermen into perspective.
The loss of Lavery is going to be a blow given how his partnership with Marc McNulty was blossoming but Chaplin or Stockley are more than capable of doing a job in his place. The former has already proven hmself an ample finisher against Championship sides so hopefully he will be given the nod.
Perhaps this cup tie would also be an opportunity to give Alex Bass a chance in goal given how unreliable Brian Murphy has been in recent weeks. It would certainly be the best time to test him between the sticks given that Paul Jones is still a few weeks away from returning to the side.
Unlike the corresponding dire draw between the two sides back in September, this match promises goals with Pompey and Accrington both finding the net ten times in their last three matches.
For £15 a ticket for adults this had better be an entertaining game!
Predicted Starting Line-Ups
Pompey
GK: Brian MURPHY
RB: Ben DAVIES
CB: Christian BURGESS
CB: Adam WEBSTER
LB: Enda STEVENS
DM: Michael DOYLE
DM: Adam BARTON
RM: Gareth EVANS
AM: Marc McNULTY
LM: Kyle BENNETT
CF: Conor CHAPLIN
Accrington
GK: Ross ETHERIDGE
RB: Matty PEARSON
CB: Tom DAVIES
CB: Joe WRIGHT
LB: Brad HALLIDAY
RM: Piero MINGOIA
CM: Gerardo BRUNA
CM: Andrew PROCTER
LM: Sean McCONVILLE
CF: Josh WINDASS
CF: Billy KEE
Last Time: Portsmouth 0 Accrington Stanley 0 (League Two - 05/09/2015)
Pompey struggled to break down a resolute Stanley defence in what was a rather drab game.
My Prediction
Stanley's front two have been on fire so at least one of them will probably score whilst Pompey also have plenty of players capable of doing damage themselves. Both teams should be in the hat for the third round draw on Monday.
Portsmouth 2 Accrington Stanley 2