Pompey will end their Papa John’s Trophy Southern Group B campaign by hosting Crystal Palace’s under-21 side this evening (7.45pm kick-off).
With defeats to AFC Wimbledon and Sutton in their opening two fixtures, chances of progression to the knockout stages are slim.
It is not totally out of the question, although claiming three points against the Eagles is the absolute minimum requirement.
The Dons would also need to be beaten at Sutton, while there also has to be a goal difference swing of at least four.
Tonight’s visitors also know that victory would not necessarily guarantee a spot in the last 32 of the competition, although a single point could still be enough.
Paddy McCarthy’s young team lost 3-0 to Sutton in their opening fixture, but responded with a 2-0 success at Plough Lane.
They sit seventh in the top tier of Premier League 2, battling from behind to beat Chelsea in their last outing.
If the game finishes level after 90 minutes, both sides will collect a point. A penalty shoot-out would then be held to decide who earns a bonus point.
TEAM NEWS
Danny Cowley has revealed there will be a mixture of youth and experience on display, with several academy players likely to feature in the matchday squad.
Ellis Harrison (ankle), Jayden Reid (knee), Clark Robertson (hip) and Ryan Tunnicliffe (hamstring) are all sidelined.
Paul Downing and Liam Vincent have both returned to full training, but this evening’s match comes too soon for the duo.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of Danny Cowley and Michael Jacobs ahead of the game.
HEAD TO HEAD*
Overall
Pompey: 16 wins
Crystal Palace: 22 wins
22 draws
At Fratton Park
Pompey: 9 wins
Crystal Palace: 5 wins
16 draws
*Matches against Crystal Palace's first team
TICKETS
Pompey fans can secure a seat online here or by visiting the Anson Road ticket office.
They can also be purchased this evening from the ticket booth behind the Fratton End, while all parking must be pre-booked here.
Fratton Park is now a cashless stadium, with contactless payments will be required in all food kiosks and hospitality areas, as well as for the purchase of tickets.
Portsmouth Football Club respectfully ask all supporters to adhere to the Code of Conduct to ensure an enjoyable and safe matchday experience for all.
The Victory Bar will be open for home fans from 5pm this evening.
OFFICIALS
Referee: Will Finnie
Assistants: Kevin Howick and Adrian Tranter
Fourth Official: James Vallance
MATCH COVERAGE
Supporters at home and abroad can watch the contest live (please note coverage will be provided by a single camera) by purchasing an iFollow match pass and visiting the match centre.
Domestic iFollow subscribers can also enjoy audio commentary from Andrew Moon and Guy Whittingham, but will need to purchase a match pass if they want to watch the game.
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 updates throughout the game on Twitter and the match centre. You can also see behind-the-scenes content on our Instagram story.
There will be post-match reaction on the website and our official YouTube channel, with highlights to follow on Wednesday.
Local listeners can hear commentary by tuning in to either Express FM or BBC Radio Solent.
BETTING
Crystal Palace are the 29/20 favourites with VBET to secure all three points, while Pompey can be backed at 31/20.
Click here to find a comprehensive list of odds for this evening's game. 18+. Please gamble responsibly.
ALSO IN PAPA JOHN’S TROPHY
Games kick-off at 7pm unless stated
Crawley v Southampton U21
Crewe v Wolves U21
Leyton Orient v Charlton
Morecambe v Carlisle
Port Vale v Liverpool U21
Scunthorpe v Doncaster
Sheffield Wednesday v Harrogate
Stevenage v Cambridge
Sunderland v Bradford
Swindon v Newport
Tranmere v Oldham
Wycombe v Burton
Barrow v Leicester U21 (7.45pm)
Fleetwood v Accrington (7.45pm)
Ipswich v Colchester (7.45pm)
Mansfield v Newcastle U21 (7.45pm)
Sutton v AFC Wimbledon (7.45pm)
EFL TROPHY MAGIC MOMENT
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