Pompey will look to end the calendar year on a high when they host Ipswich in the final fixture of 2022 this evening (7.45pm kick-off).
It is arguably the toughest Fratton contest of the season for the Blues in League One against many people’s favourites for promotion.
The Tractor Boys are certainly well placed to reach the Championship and sit second – a couple of points behind leaders Plymouth – having played half their matches.
Goals from Freddie Ladapo, Wes Burns and Conor Chaplin secured a comfortable 3-0 home success over Oxford on Boxing Day.
And Kieran McKenna’s side have lost just one of their past nine league fixtures, winning five of them.
It comes after Town failed to be involved in the promotion race during any of their past three seasons since dropping into the third tier, achieving finishes of 11th, 9th and 11th.
There have been two meetings between the teams already this term – and both of them took place in Suffolk.
A late goal saw Ipswich win 3-2 in the league, while Pompey hit back with a 2-0 success in the Papa Johns Trophy.
TEAM NEWS
Pompey have a number of players currently battling a sickness bug, while Tom Lowery (hamstring) and Louis Thompson (leg) are doubts.
Kieron Freeman (calf), Joe Rafferty (stomach) and Jayden Reid (knee) all remain sidelined for the Blues.
Ipswich are also contending with illness in their squad and are without Dom Ball (knee), Panutche Camara (groin) and Tyreece John-Jules (hamstring).
But former Fratton forwards Gassan Ahadme, Conor Chaplin and Marcus Harness could all feature for the visitors.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of Danny Cowley ahead of the game.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 17 wins
Ipswich: 21 wins
13 draws
At Fratton Park
Pompey: 6 wins
Ipswich: 11 wins
7 draws
OFFICIALS
Referee: Sam Allison
Assistants: Richard Morris and Adam Ricketts
Fourth Official: Farai Hallam
TICKETS
Fratton Park is full to capacity for the game. The Victory Bar will be open for home fans from 5pm, while there is a DJ in the Fanzone.
Please note that there is a reduced train service this evening and none will be running after the game. Please check before you travel.
MATCH COVERAGE
Supporters at home and abroad can watch the contest live 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 as usual, 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 Friday.
Local listeners can hear commentary by tuning in to either Express FM or BBC Radio Solent (not available online).
BETTING
Ipswich are the 10/11 favourites with VBET to secure all three points, while Pompey can be backed at 14/5.
Click here to find a comprehensive list of odds for this evening’s game. 18+. Please gamble responsibly.
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ALSO IN LEAGUE ONE
All games kick-off at 7.45pm
Tonight
Barnsley v Fleetwood
Bristol Rovers v Exeter
Forest Green v Burton
Morecambe v Accrington
Oxford v Charlton
Peterborough v MK Dons
Plymouth v Wycombe
Sheffield Wednesday v Port Vale
Shrewsbury v Cheltenham
Friday
Derby v Cambridge
Lincoln v Bolton
LAST MEETING
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