A trip to Wembley is the prize when Pompey host Exeter this evening in the semi-finals of the Leasing.com Trophy.
Kenny Jackett’s side are looking to become the first side to win the competition for a second successive season, following their penalty triumph over Sunderland last March.
Their opponents, meanwhile, have never got past this stage and crashed out in the second round during the 2018/19 campaign.
This term saw them top a group containing Newport – who have also reached the last four – West Ham U21s and Cheltenham.
In the knockout stages, the Grecians have already accounted for League One sides Oxford and Ipswich, as well as Stevenage in the quarter-finals.
Like Pompey, Matt Taylor’s troops are also engaged in a battle for promotion and sit second in the fourth tier table – trailing leaders Swindon on goal difference.
They are currently enjoying a three-match winning run that included a dramatic 3-2 triumph at Macclesfield on Saturday.
The only previous meeting between the sides in this competition came back in 2015, when a young Blues side lost 2-0 in Devon.
TEAM NEWS
Andy Cannon will not be risked after recovering from a glute injury, but is expected to be available for the weekend.
Bryn Morris is running outside again as he continues to step up his recovery from a long-term groin problem.
Exeter are without goalkeeper Jonny Maxted, who injured a muscle in his side during the warm-up of last month’s defeat at Swindon.
Nicky Law (head) and Tom Parkes (ill) both missed the last match, but skipper Jake Taylor returned from an ankle problem.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of Kenny Jackett and Ben Close or register for a free iFollow account to watch the below videos.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 13 wins
Exeter: 6 wins
8 draws
At Fratton Park
Pompey: 8 wins
Exeter: 4 wins
1 draw
TICKETS
Pompey fans can secure seats online here or by visiting the Anson Road ticket office.
Please note that supporters can now buy tickets in the South Stand, but seating around the ground is unreserved and fans are advised to arrive early.
Due to the match being televised live on Sky Sports, there will be fewer than 100 car parking spaces available for fans behind the North Stand. These are priced £5 each and allocated on a first come, first served basis.
OFFICIALS
Referee: Craig Hicks
Assistants: Stuart Butler and Bhupinder Gill
Fourth Official: John Busby
MATCH COVERAGE
iFollow subscribers can listen to live commentary from Andy Moon and Guy Whittingham by signing into their account and visiting the match centre from 7pm this evening.
The game has been selected for live television coverage, so there will be no video on iFollow for overseas subscribers.
Viewers in the UK can watch the game live on Sky Sports Football, while overseas supporters should check their local listings.
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, iFollow 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.
BETTING
Pompey are the 4/7 favourites with Sky Bet to progress after 90 minutes, while the visitors can be backed at 4/1.
Click here to read our full betting guide and visit www.skybet.com/pompey to earn money for the club when you place a bet. Please gamble responsibly.
OTHER GAMES
All matches kick-off at 7.45pm
Tonight – League One
Oxford v AFC Wimbledon
Southend v Gillingham
Tomorrow – Leasing.com Trophy
Newport v Salford
PAST MEETING