PORTSMOUTH FOOTBALL CLUB

Pompey will look to recover from successive league defeats when they host Accrington this weekend.

Their opponents are also in desperate need of points – but for very different reasons.

Stanley – like the Blues – were beaten in the play-offs last term, having missed out on automatic promotion on the final day.

They failed to build on that, however, and are currently struggling down in 19th position, just four points clear of the drop zone.

John Coleman’s side won their last match at home to Notts County, but they have only won three times on their league travels all season.

Accrington have enjoyed more success in other competitions this term, enjoying runs in both the FA and EFL Cups.

There are plenty of members of the Pompey camp who have Stanley connections, with Paul Cook and Leam Richardson both previously managing and playing for the Lancashire outfit.

Tom Davies, Amine Linganzi Kal Naismith and Gary Roberts also all used to feature for Saturday’s opponents.

A stunning Paddy Lacey strike settled a turgid encounter in favour of Accrington back in September, but they have only ever won once at Fratton Park.

Curtis Main (knee) is still sidelined for Pompey, while Gareth Evans is a doubt after injuring his foot against Wycombe.

Accrington are without the suspended duo of defender Matty Pearson and midfielder Scott Brown, but Rommy Boco is expected to feature against his former club.

Read what Paul Cook and Noel Hunt have to say about Saturday’s game or subscribe to Pompey PlayerHD for full pre-match video content.

Pompey: 5 Wins

Accrington: 2 Wins

4 Draws

Pompey: 3 Wins

Accrington: 1 Win

1 Draw

Seats can still be secured online here. On the day of the game they will be sold from the booths behind the Fratton End, which open from 11am.

Please note that there are no trains in the Portsmouth area this week because of maintenance work. Check train operator website for details about replacement bus services.

Pompey PlayerHD subscribers can listen to live commentary from Fratton Park from 2pm on Saturday.

We will 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 Sunday.

Local listeners can hear commentary on Express FM or BBC Radio Solent, while The News will also have extensive coverage.

Pompey are 7/10 favourites with Sky Bet to claim all three points, while the visitors can be backed at 17/4.

Click here to read our full betting preview and sign up to www.skybet.com/pompey for great offers.

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