The nine-month anniversary of Pompey’s last meeting with Fleetwood passed a few days ago.
Nobody inside Fratton Park to watch a 2-2 draw that night could have known that it would be their last trip to the ground for so long.
But, three days later, the news broke that the remainder of the 2019/20 campaign would be suspended – and eventually cancelled – due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The sides were eventually able to compete in the play-offs, with both crashing out over two legs in the semi-finals.
While Pompey cruelly lost to Oxford on penalties, the Cod Army were beaten 6-3 on aggregate by Wycombe, who ultimately claimed the final place in the Championship.
All those games – and the start to the current campaign – took place inside empty grounds in a bid to halt the spread of the virus.
Restrictions have recently eased, though, and the Blues were able to welcome back 2,000 supporters for the recent victory over Peterborough.
And it will be the same again this evening (7.45pm kick-off), as the hosts try to beat Joey Barton’s side, who sit five points behind them in ninth spot.
Pompey, meanwhile, know that a third successive league win could see them end the night at the League One summit.
Anybody attending the game should adhere to the new Supporters’ Code of Conduct and make sure to abide by social distancing measures.
TEAM NEWS
Lee Brown is set to be about for between two and three weeks with a hamstring injury, but Pompey have no other injury concerns.
Defender Tom Edwards missed Fleetwood’s game on Saturday with a knock, while goalkeeper Joel Coleman (hamstring) is a long-term absentee.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of Kenny Jackett and Ronan Curtis ahead of the game.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 5 wins
Fleetwood: 3 wins
1 draw
At Fratton Park
Pompey: 2 wins
Fleetwood: 1 win
1 draw
OFFICIALS
Referee: Alan Young
Assistants: Paul Lister and Ryan Whitaker
Fourth Official: Carl Brook
MATCH COVERAGE
Supporters in the UK can watch the action live – with four-camera coverage, graphics, commentary and replays – by purchasing a match pass for £10.
Subscribers will, as usual, be able to listen to listen to live commentary from Andy Moon and Guy Whittingham by signing into their account and visiting the match centre from 7pm.
Please note that subscribers based in the UK and Ireland will still need to purchase a match pass in order to watch the game live.
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 updates throughout the game on Twitter and the match centre. You can also see behind-the-scenes content on our Instagram story.
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.
PROGRAMME
Tonight’s programme can be bought online here or by visiting the club shop in Anson Road for £3.50.
Supporters attending the game can also purchase a copy from the Victory Lounge (if seated in the Fratton End), kiosk (Milton End) or catering area (North Stand).
BETTING
Pompey are the 9/10 favourites with VBET to secure all three points, while the visitors can be backed at 16/5.
Click here to find a comprehensive list of odds for this evening’s game. Please gamble responsibly.
ALSO IN LEAGUE ONE
Games kick-off at 7.45pm unless stated
Gillingham v Accrington (5.30pm)
Blackpool v Hull (7pm)
Crewe v Plymouth (7pm)
Doncaster v Swindon (7pm)
Lincoln v Shrewsbury (7pm)
Sunderland v AFC Wimbledon (7pm)
Wigan v Rochdale (7pm)
Charlton v Bristol Rovers
Ipswich v Burton
MK Dons v Peterborough
Oxford v Northampton
LAST MEETING