All you need to know about Checkatrade Trophy clash
Pompey have just a single point on the board going into the final round of Checkatrade Trophy group stage fixtures.
But victory over Bristol Rovers tonight (7.45pm kick-off) could still see them qualify for the knockout stages.
However, they would have to wait until Wednesday evening to see whether it is enough to finish in the top two of Southern Group A.
Paul Cook’s side would need Reading U21s to beat Yeovil and then goal difference – or even goals scored – would be used to separate Pompey and the Glovers.
But to have any chance of progressing, the Blues most secure all three points against their League One opponents.
Darrel Clarke’s men were promoted to the third tier last season, courtesy of a last-gasp winner against Dagenham on the final day.
And they have adapted quickly to life at a higher level, currently sitting fifth in the table after 16 games.
But they have lost on each of their last seven visits to Fratton Park, including a 3-1 reverse back in February.
TEAM NEWS
Paul Cook has a full squad to choose from, as Amine Linganzi’s suspension does not include Checkatrade Trophy games.
Rovers are without Jake Clarke-Salter, who is away on international duty with the England under-20 squad.
QUOTES
Read what Paul Cook and Liam O’Brien have to say about the game or watch pre-match video content on Pompey PlayerHD.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 20 Wins
Bristol Rovers: 10 Wins
8 Draws
At Fratton Park
Pompey: 13 Wins
Bristol Rovers: 2 Wins
3 Draws
TICKETS
Tickets can be bought online here or from the Frogmore Road ticket office.
Please note that the Fratton End booths will not be open tonight, with all sales from the ticket office. Only the South Stand is open for this match.
MATCH COVERAGE
Pompey PlayerHD subscribers can listen to live 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 highlights to follow on Wednesday.
Local listeners can hear commentary on Express FM or BBC Radio Solent, while The News will also have extensive coverage.
BETTING
The visitors are narrow 6/4 favourites with Sky Bet to collect all three points, while Pompey can be backed at 13/8.
Click here to read our full betting preview and sign-up to www.skybet.com/pompey for great offers.
ALSO IN CHECKATRADE TROPHY
Norwich U21 v MK Dons (7pm)
Blackburn U21 v Oldham (7.30pm)
Chelsea U21 v Oxford (7.30pm)
Crewe v Chesterfield (7.30pm)
Everton U21 v Blackpool (7.30pm)
Luton v Millwall (7.30pm)
Brighton U21 v Leyton Oeient
Cambridge v Scunthorpe
Cheltenham v Bolton
Colchester v Charlton
Derby U21 v Mansfield
Doncaster v Port Vale
Exeter v Swindon
Leicester U21 v Walsall
Middlesbrough U21 v Shrewsbury
Newport v AFC Wimbledon
Northampton v West Ham U21
Stevenage v Southend
Stoke U21 v Bury
Swansea U21 v Plymouth
West Brom U21 v Gillingham
Wolves U21 v Accrington
Barnet v Peterborough (8pm)
Wednesday
Hartlepool v Rochdale (7.30pm)
Reading U21 v Yeovil (7.30pm)
Sunderland U21 v Notts County (7.30pm)
Carlisle v Fleetwood
Grimsby v Sheffield United
Morecambe v Bradford
Southampton U21 v Crawley
Wycombe v Coventry
LAST MEETING