Pompey may be out of the League Cup but will be hoping their excellent start to the league season continues with another win on Saturday.
Team News
Jack Whatmough is doubtful after limping off at Stoke and is now awaiting X-Ray results to reveal the full extent of the damage done to his ankle. Patrick Agyemang and Alex Wynter could be in contention having trained during the week.
Newport boss Justin Edinburgh has axed goalkeeper Lenny Pidgeley following his poor start to the season and has brought in Peterborough goalkeeper Joe Day to replace him. The Exiles also have a striker shortage with Rene Howe out and both Chris Zebroski and Aaron O'Connor doubtful.
The Match
Having proved that they can win away under pressure, Pompey's next test is to win a game that everyone will expect them to win. Their opponents have started the season poorly having only taken one point from twelve available.
Therefore it will be up to Andy Awford and his players to cope with the expectation around what should be a packed Fratton Park tomorrow. Changes will undoubtedly be made after the cup defeat to Stoke but Paul Robinson is likely to keep his place having extended his loan deal until January.
The wing back system could well return too and there'll be a fair few Pompey fans who will hope that Wynter is fit to play with both Ricky Holmes and Adam Webster looking shaky in the right wing back role.
Those who didn't start at the Britannia Stadium on Wednesday are likely to be involved tomorrow. Danny Hollands, Nigel Atangana and James Dunne are likely to be the central midfield trio altough Jed Wallace could keep one of them out. Miles Storey is also likely to start as his pace can get behind the sluggish County defence.
Whoever plays, the team will be expected to win and so the fans may need to be patient. There has been criticism in the past that the home supporters are quick to get on Pompey's back if they aren't beating inferior opposition but Newport still possess some dangerous players and will cause problems of their own.
However, Pompey are on a roll and so long as they aren't burdened by the weight of expectation at Fratton Park then another win should be on the cards.
Predicted Starting Line-Ups
Pompey
GK: Paul JONES
RWB: Alex WYNTER
CB: Paul ROBINSON
CB: Ben CHORLEY
CB: Joe DEVERA
LB: Nicky SHOREY
CM: James DUNNE
CM: Danny HOLLANDS
CM: Nigel ATANGANA
CF: Miles STOREY
CF: Craig WESTCARR
Newport
GK: Joe DAY
RB: Ryan JACKSON
CB: Kevin FEELY
CB: Darren JONES
LB: Andrew HUGHES
RM: Adam CHAPMAN
CM: Mark BYRNE
CM: Lee MINSHULL
LM: Robbie WILLMOTT
CF: Danny CROW
CF: Christian JOLLEY
Last Time: Portsmouth 0 Newport County 2
Richie Barker's first match as Pompey manager saw him start as he meant to carry on as his team slipped to a team defeat thanks to two second half goals from Michael Flynn, the second of which saw the ball bounce in the box from a throw in before the goal was scored. Pitiful.
My Prediction
Whilst there is a little niggle in the back of the mind which suggests that Pompey won't follow the script, the squad should be strong enough to see this match through.
Portsmouth 2 Newport County 0