Pompey put their unbeaten league record to one side this evening, as attention turns to the EFL Trophy.
John Mousinho’s men welcome Gillingham to Fratton Park for their second fixture in Southern Group E.
They have two points on the board so far after drawing 3-3 with Fulham U21s in August and then collecting a penalty shoot-out bonus.
But it is their next opponents who currently occupy top after scoring two late goals to beat Leyton Orient at Priestfield.
The Kent outfit have Keith Millen in interim charge after making the shock decision to part company with Neil Harris last week.
He oversaw a 2-1 home win over MK Dons at the weekend, which leaves the Gills sitting third in League Two and just a couple of points off top spot.
Pompey triumphed 3-1 when these last met back in April 2022, with a Ronan Curtis brace and Clark Robertson header at Fratton Park sending the visitors towards the drop.
The only previous EFL Trophy clash came at the same venue in September 2018, when Matt Clarke, Ben Close, Brett Pitman and David Wheeler all netted in a 4-0 victory.
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
Josh Dockerill (knee), Tom Lowery (knee), Marlon Pack (ankle) and Anthony Scully (knee) are all still sidelined.
Connor Ogilvie has returned to full training following a groin problem, but is unlikely to be risked in this game.
Pompey are also without Terry Devlin, Paddy Lane, Regan Poole and Alex Robertson, who are all away on international duty.
The visitors – whose director of football is former Blues boss Kenny Jackett – will be without ex-Fratton duo Oli Hawkins (heel) and Shaun Williams (knee)
Tim Dieng (knee), George Lapslie (hamstring) and Ashley Nadesan (ankle) are also set to miss out for Gillingham.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of John Mousinho and Kusini Yengi ahead of the game.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 22 wins
Gillingham: 9 wins
10 draws
At Fratton Park
Pompey: 13 wins
Gillingham: 2 wins
6 draws
TICKETS
Pompey fans can still secure seats in the South Stand and Fratton End, 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 this evening.
Season ticket holder seats were not reserved for this game. They will need a match ticket 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.
Those in the South Stand can take advantage of the family friendly kiosk, which is serving hot dogs, soft drinks – including juice cartons – share bags of sweets and gingerbread, as well as free fruit from Tesco.
OFFICIALS
Referee: Farai Hallam
Assistants: Garry Maskell and Daniel Flynn
Fourth Official: Carl Brook
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 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
Games kick-off at 7pm unless stated
Blackpool v Liverpool U21
Carlisle v Nottingham Forest U21
Charlton v Aston Villa U21
Lincoln v Wolves U21
Mansfield v Doncaster
Morecambe v Barrow
Notts County v Derby
Reading v Swindon
Stevenage v Wycombe
Tranmere v Leicester U21
Walsall v Forest Green
Wigan v Fleetwood
Exeter v Arsenal U21 (7.15pm)
Cheltenham v Newport (7.30pm)
Crewe v Wrexham (7.30pm)
Grimsby v Bradford (7.30pm)
Salford v Stockport (7.30pm)
Harrogate v Accrington (7.45pm)
Port Vale v Newcastle U21 (7.45pm)
Sutton v Crawley (7.45pm)
LAST EFL TROPHY MEETING
key moments
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