The focus of football fans around the globe is currently on events in Qatar, as 32 nations battle it out to lift the World Cup.
It is not quite so glamorous for Pompey this evening, however, as their attention is on trying to reach the third round of the Papa Johns Trophy by beating Ipswich at Portman Road (7.45pm kick-off).
Danny Cowley’s side finished as runners-up in Southern Group B to progress to this stage of the competition.
Their opponents, meanwhile, topped their own group to ensure they would be guaranteed a home tie.
Kieran McKenna’s side thrashed Northampton 6-0 and also beat Arsenal’s youngsters before being narrowly beaten at Cambridge.
The Tractor Boys are currently flying high in League One and Saturday’s televised win at Exeter means they now sit just two points behind leaders Plymouth.
A 3-0 success at Bracknell earlier this month also means they have progressed to the second round of the FA Cup, where another non-league side await in the shape of Buxton.
Pompey were narrowly beaten at Portman Road back in October, with a brace of Colby Bishop penalties not enough to ensure they left Suffolk with any points.
In the event of a draw after 90 minutes, tonight’s tie will be settled by a penalty shoot-out.
TEAM NEWS
Pompey remain without Michael Jacobs (hamstring), Tom Lowery (hamstring), Joe Rafferty (stomach), Jayden Reid (knee) and Louis Thompson (leg).
Joe Morrell is away on World Cup duty with Wales in Qatar, while Joe Pigott cannot feature against his former club.
Former Pompey striker Gassan Ahadme is cup tied after appearing for Burton in the competition earlier this season, while Conor Chaplin is trying to shake off a knock.
Kyle Edwards is suspended, while there are also injury doubts over Leif Davis and Janoi Donacien, but Greg Leigh is available again after recovering from a leg fracture.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of Danny Cowley and Ronan Curtis ahead of the game.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 16 wins
Ipswich: 21 wins
13 draws
On the road
Pompey: 10 wins
Ipswich: 10 wins
6 draws
OFFICIALS
Referee: Tom Nield
Assistants: Paul Evans and Conor Farrell
Fourth Official: Sam Mulhall
TICKETS
Pompey fans are no longer able to buy tickets for this fixture and they will not be sold at Portman Road this evening.
Click here to read a guide for away fans that has been produced by Ipswich.
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 Wednesday.
Local listeners can hear commentary by tuning in to either Express FM or BBC Radio Solent (not available online).
BETTING
Ipswich are the 17/20 favourites with VBET to progress inside 90 minutes, while Pompey can be backed at 29/10.
Click here to find a comprehensive list of odds for this evening’s game. 18+. Please gamble responsibly.
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ALSO IN PAPA JOHNS TROPHY
Games kick-off at 7pm unless stated
Tonight
Burton v Tranmere
Forest Green v Cheltenham
Lincoln v Morecambe
MK Dons v Newport
Plymouth v Charlton
Stevenage v Arsenal U21
Wolves U21 v Manchester United U21
Grimsby v Accrington (7.30pm)
Peterborough v Chelsea U21 (7.30pm)
Salford v Bradford (7.30pm)
AFC Wimbledon v Sutton (7.45pm)
Bolton v Barrow (7.45pm)
Tomorrow
Colchester v Bristol Rovers (7.30pm)
Port Vale v Barnsley (7.30pm)
MEMORABLE MEETING
key moments
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