PORTSMOUTH FOOTBALL CLUB

Plymouth’s memories of the play-offs will certainly be fresher in the mind than Pompey’s.

The Blues’ only foray into this end of season lottery came against Leicester all the way back in 1993.

Jim Smith’s side agonisingly missed out on automatic promotion to the Premier League on goals scored and were then beaten over two legs by the Foxes.

Argyle, meanwhile, took part in the play-offs last term, but crashed out to Wycombe, losing 3-2 on home soil and then 2-1 at Adams Park.

It was a similar story in 1994 when they were ousted by Burnley, having finished 12 points above them in the third tier standings.

Two years later, however, they defeated Colchester over two legs in Division Three and then saw off Darlington at Wembley.

Both sides rested players for the final regular season game at the weekend, but while Pompey were narrowly beaten by champions Northampton, Plymouth routed Hartlepool 5-0.

It has been difficult to split them this term, with only three points separating the two teams in the League Two standings.

And both won 2-1 on each other’s patch, as the Blues were victorious back in August before the Pilgrims gained revenge last month.

Pompey have had a number of injury problems in recent weeks, but manager Paul Cook has refused to reveal if anyone will make a return against Plymouth.

One man definitely missing, however, is Kieron Freeman, who serves a three-match ban following his red card against Northampton.

Plymouth boss Derek Adams is also keeping his cards close to his chest, although it is expected that Peter Hartley (hamstring), Carl McHugh (hamstring) and Reuben Reid (thigh) will all return.

Read what Paul Cook has to say about the game or subscribe to Pompey PlayerHD for extended interviews with the manager and Jack Whatmough.

Pompey: 26 Wins

Plymouth: 23 Wins

9 Draws

Pompey: 16 Wins

Plymouth: 10 Wins

3 Draws

Pompey 1 (Smith)

Plymouth 2 (Matt, Wylde)

League Two

April 16 2016

Pompey PlayerHD subscribers can listen to live online commentary from Fratton Park from 7pm tonight.

We’ll also have match updates on Twitter and the Pompey Wall. 

There will be post-match reaction on the website, Pompey PlayerHD and our official YouTube channel, with extended highlights to follow at midday on Friday. 

Local listeners can hear commentary on Express FM or BBC Radio Solent (not online), while The News will also have extensive coverage.

There are a limited number of tickets still available. Click here for more details.

Pompey are evens favourites with Sky Bet to claim a first leg advantage, while the visitors can be backed at 3/1.

Click here to read our betting preview and remember to register at www.skybet.com/pompey to earn money for the club whenever you have a flutter.

AFC Wimbledon v Accrington (7.30pm)

Plymouth v Pompey (6pm)

Accrington v AFC Wimbledon (7.45pm)