Pompey face Premier League opposition for the second time in 2020 when they visit Brighton this evening in the second round of the Carabao Cup.
Kenny Jackett’s side were beaten 2-0 at home by Arsenal in last season’s FA Cup just before the lockdown.
So now they will be hoping to cause an upset and set up a third round trip to Preston from the Championship next week.
Their opponents began the new top-flight campaign with a 3-1 home defeat by big-spending Chelsea on Monday night.
Leandro Trossard had cancelled out Jorginho’s penalty before goals from Reece James and Kurt Zouma ensured the title hopefuls took all three points back to the capital.
Brighton won 2-1 at Bristol Rovers in this stage of the competition last term, then bowed out against Aston Villa in round three.
Pompey’s only previous trip to the Amex Stadium was for a Championship contest back in March 2012.
A Vicente double ensured the Seagulls came out on top that day, with the Blues ultimately suffering relegation.
Should tonight’s contest end all square after 90 minutes, then the tie will be settled by a penalty shoot-out.
TEAM NEWS
Alex Bass is the only injury absentee for Pompey, with the goalkeeper continuing to struggle with an ankle problem.
Michael Jacobs will not be starting for the visitors, as Jackett is keen to see the new signing build his fitness in training.
Fellow summer arrival Callum Johnson is cup-tied after appearing for Accrington in their first round defeat at Burton.
Brighton will be without Jose Izquierdo (knee), Adam Lallana (calf), Christian Walton (ankle) and Ben White (ankle), but midfielder Davy Propper is likely to return.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of manager Kenny Jackett ahead of the contest or watch the video below.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 15 wins
Brighton: 18 wins
10 draws
At Brighton
Pompey: 4 wins
Brighton: 12 wins
6 draws
OFFICIALS
Referee: Matthew Donohue
Assistants: Robert Hyde and Mark Pottage
Fourth Official: Gavin Ward
MATCH COVERAGE
iFollow subscribers and audio match pass holders can listen to live commentary from BBC Radio Solent’s Andrew Moon and Guy Whittingham by visiting the match centre from 7pm this evening.
Because the game has been selected for live television coverage, it cannot be streamed live on iFollow.
Supporters in the UK can watch on Sky Sports Main Event or Sky Sports Football, while overseas fans should check 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 Friday.
Local listeners can hear commentary by tuning in to either Express FM or BBC Radio Solent.
BETTING
Brighton are the 4/6 favourites with Sky Bet to secure victory after 90 minutes, while the Blues can be backed at 4/1.
Click here to find a comprehensive list of odds for Saturday's game. Please gamble responsibly.
ALSO IN CARABAO CUP
Burnley v Sheffield United (5.30pm)
Wolves v Stoke (7pm)
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