It is fair to say that most people watching tonight’s Emirates FA Cup clash between Hereford and Pompey (7.55pm kick-off) will be rooting for the home side.
The romance of the competition means that Danny Cowley’s men visit Edgar Street to face a side from three tiers below in the first round.
It is a banana skin they will be determined not to slip on, as the Blues look to clear the first hurdle for a fifth successive season.
They have plenty of experience of meeting non-league opposition, with Macclesfield, Maidenhead, Harrogate, Altrincham, King’s Lynn and Harrow all accounted for in recent years.
Back in 2014, however, there was the disastrous meeting with Aldershot, who knocked Pompey out in a replay.
Their next hosts were formed in 2014 as a phoenix club following the sad demise of Hereford United.
The Blues had a few meetings with their predecessors over the years, most recently for a 2009 League Cup tie.
Frederic Piquionne, John Utaka, Niko Kranjcar and Richard Hughes all netted that night in a 4-1 success at Fratton Park.
Josh Gowling’s Bulls currently sit 14th in the National League North standings and beat Curzon Ashton 3-1 in their last outing.
Please note that in the event of a draw after 90 minutes, a replay will be held at Fratton Park on a date to be confirmed.
TEAM NEWS
Tom Lowery (hamstring) and Marlon Pack (hamstring) have both returned to training, although this evening’s game could come too soon.
There is a doubt over Michael Jacobs (hamstring), while Joe Rafferty (stomach), Jayden Reid (knee) and Louis Thompson (leg) are all on the long-term injury list.
Hereford’s squad includes forward Miles Storey, who netted three goals in 22 appearances during a loan spell at Pompey in 2014.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of Danny Cowley and Michael Morrison ahead of the game.
HEAD TO HEAD*
Overall
Pompey: 7 wins
Hereford: 1 win
2 draws
On the road
Pompey: 2 wins
Hereford: 1 win
1 draw
*Includes matches against Hereford United
TICKETS
Pompey have sold their full allocation for this game, so please do not travel if you do not have a ticket.
A marquee has been set up next to the away section for Blues fans, which includes a bar, food and toilets. This will be open from 5pm, with access via the turnstiles.
A minute's silence will be held before kick-off to remember former Hereford player – and FA Cup legend – Ronnie Radford, who passed away earlier this week.
OFFICIALS
Referee: Sebastian Stockbridge
Assistants: Joe Simpson and Justin Amey
Fourth Official: Sam Allison
MATCH COVERAGE
Supporters in the UK can watch the match live on BBC Two, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport online, with coverage starting at 7.30pm.
It will be shown on ESPN+ in the USA and overseas fans can click here for a list of The FA’s global broadcast partners.
All iFollow subscribers can listen to live commentary from Andrew Moon and Guy Whittingham by signing into their account and visiting the match centre from around 7pm.
Please note that the game will not be shown live on iFollow, either in the UK or for supporters who are based abroad.
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 Saturday.
Local listeners can hear commentary by tuning in to either BBC Radio Solent or Express FM.
BETTING
Pompey are the 31/100 favourites with VBET to progress tonight, while the hosts can be backed at 6/1.
Click here to find a comprehensive list of odds for this evening’s game. 18+. Please gamble responsibly.
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ALSO IN FA CUP
Games kick-off at 3pm unless stated
Tonight
Sheffield Wednesday v Morecambe (7.45pm)
Saturday
South Shields v Forest Green (12pm)
Bradford v Harrogate (12.30pm)
Bolton v Barnsley (2pm)
AFC Fylde v Gillingham
Barnet v Chelmsford
Barrow v Mansfield
Boreham Wood v Eastleigh
Bristol Rovers v Rochdale
Burton v Needham Market
Buxton v Merthyr Town
Carlisle v Tranmere
Charlton v Coalville
Cheltenham v Alvechurch
Chesterfield v Northampton
Chippenham v Lincoln
Crawley v Accrington
Crewe v Leyton Orient
Doncaster v King’s Lynn
Ebbsfleet v Halifax
Fleetwood v Oxford City
Gateshead v Stevenage
Grimsby v Plymouth
Maidenhead v Dagenham & Redbridge
MK Dons v Taunton
Newport v Colchester
Peterborough v Salford
Port Vale v Exeter
Shrewsbury v York
Solihull v Hartlepool
Stockport v Swindon
Sutton v Farnborough
Weymouth v AFC Wimbledon
Wycombe v Walsall
Sunday
Wrexham v Oldham (12.30pm)
Curzon Ashton v Cambridge (2pm)
Woking v Oxford United (2pm)
Torquay v Derby
Monday
Bracknell v Ipswich (7.45pm)
LAST SEASON
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