Pompey start their EFL Trophy campaign when they welcome Fulham U21s to Fratton Park this evening (7.45pm kick-off).
It is the first of three fixtures for John Mousinho’s men in Southern Group E, with Gillingham visiting in October before a trip to Leyton Orient the following month.
The Blues made it all the way through to the quarter-finals last season before narrowly being beaten at Bolton under the caretaker charge of Simon Bassey.
Their opponents have not been involved in the competition since the 2020/21 campaign, when they failed to get out of their group.
In fact, the Cottagers are still looking to reach the knockout stages for the first time since academy teams were invited in 2016.
The sides did meet in an EFL Trophy group contest in August 2017, with the Londoners claiming a bonus point by winning on penalties following a 3-3 draw.
Fulham’s youngsters are currently led by Hayden Mullins, who made 129 appearances for Pompey, appearing in the 2010 FA Cup final and being named ‘Player of the Season’ a year later.
His side currently sit fifth in Premier League 2 after winning both of their opening matches, including Friday’s 2-1 success against reigning champions Manchester City.
In the event of a draw after 90 minutes, both sides will collect a point. A penalty shoot-out will then be held, with the winners earning a bonus point.
TEAM NEWS
Pompey are expected to ring the changes and members of the academy could be involved in the matchday squad.
Josh Dockerill (knee), Tom Lowery (knee) and Kusini Yengi (ankle) are all currently sidelined for the Blues.
As per the competition rules, Fulham's side must contain a minimum of six players in the starting line-up aged 21 or under.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of John Mousinho and Ryan Schofield ahead of the game.
HEAD TO HEAD*
Overall
Pompey: 23 wins
Fulham 14 wins
18 draws
At Fratton Park
Pompey: 12 wins
Fulham: 6 wins
9 draws
*Matches against Fulham’s first team
TICKETS
Pompey fans can still secure seats in the South Stand and are advised to buy online to avoid booking fees.
The Anson Road ticket office is also open, while the booth behind the Fratton End will be selling tickets from 4.30pm.
A larger proportion of supporters pay on the day for cup games and fans are advised that if there are queues for tickets, they can purchase on their phone.
Season ticket holders are advised that they will need a match ticket for this game and cannot use their season card.
Please note that the Victory Bar will be closed this evening and that no programme has been produced for this fixture, but the new retail kiosk in the South Stand will be open.
OFFICIALS
Referee: Carl Brook
Assistants: Samuel Fudge and Andrew Hickman
Fourth Official: Huge Gilroy
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 Mark Kelly 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 key updates throughout the game on Twitter and a detailed blog via the match centre.
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).
ALSO IN EFL TROPHY
Swindon v Arsenal U21 (7pm)
Walsall v Brighton U21 (7pm)
Stockport v Manchester United (7.30pm)
LAST MEETING
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