League hopes briefly take a back seat this evening, as Pompey visit Cardiff in the first round of the Carabao Cup (7.45pm kick-off).
Both sides have had mixed starts to their respective campaigns, with the visitors going into the game on the back of successive draws.
Their Championship hosts, meanwhile, began with a home win over recently relegated Norwich, but were then beaten at Reading a few days ago.
Steve Morison’s men will be looking for an improvement on last term, when they finished in 18th position, albeit comfortably clear of the drop zone.
The Bluebirds are embarking on their fourth successive season at this level, following top-flight relegation in 2019.
Tonight is the second time in five years that the sides have met in south Wales at this stage of the competition.
An own-goal had handed Pompey the lead in 2017, only for two of their former players – Nathaniel Mendez-Laing and Greg Halford – to ultimately give the hosts an extra-time triumph.
The most famous contest between the clubs, of course, took place on May 17 2008, when Kanu struck at Wembley to ensure the FA Cup would be heading back to Portsea Island.
If this evening’s tie finishes level after 90 minutes it will go straight to penalties, with no extra-time being played.
TEAM NEWS
Denver Hume (back), Joe Morrell (groin) and Jayden Reid (hamstring) remain missing for Pompey, who have doubts over Clark Robertson (foot) and Ryan Tunnicliffe (hamstring).
Marlon Pack will be keen to feature against his former club, having signed from Cardiff earlier in the summer.
There are familiar faces in the home squad, which includes former Fratton loanees Ryan Allsop and Mahlon Romeo.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of Danny Cowley and Connor Ogilvie ahead of the game.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 23 wins
Cardiff: 22 wins
15 draws
On the road
Pompey: 10 wins
Cardiff: 14 wins
7 draws
TICKETS
Please note that visiting supporters cannot purchase tickets at Cardiff City Stadium this evening.
If you have bought a concession ticket, you are advised to bring proof of age identification with you to the game.
Anybody collecting tickets tonight should visit ‘Gate 12’ near the away turnstiles.
OFFICIALS
Referee: Lee Swabey
Assistants: Christopher Husband and Thomas Harty
Fourth Official: Mark Derrien
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 around 7pm this evening.
Please note that there is no live video stream of Carabao Cup games on iFollow, including for overseas supporters.
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 Thursday.
Local listeners can hear commentary by tuning in to either Express FM or BBC Radio Solent.
BETTING
Cardiff are the 7/10 favourites with VBET to reach the second round, while Pompey can be backed at 19/10.
Click here to find a comprehensive list of odds for this evening’s game. 18+. Please gamble responsibly.
We are committed to playing our part in ensuring our relationship with VBET is promoted in the right way to our supporters.
That is why VBET has partnered with BettorMind, to provide responsible gambling advice around key betting behaviours.
When it comes to betting, we advise all fans to make use of our dedicated responsible gambling site.
ALSO IN CARABAO CUP
Games kick-off at 7.45pm unless stated
Tonight
Shrewsbury v Carlisle (7.30pm)
Accrington v Tranmere
AFC Wimbledon v Gillingham
Blackpool v Barrow
Bolton v Salford
Bradford v Hull
Charlton v QPR
Cheltenham v Exeter
Crawley v Bristol Rovers
Doncaster v Lincoln
Fleetwood v Wigan
Forest Green v Leyton Orient
Grimsby v Crewe
Harrogate v Stockport
Huddersfield v Preston
Ipswich v Colchester
Luton v Newport
Mansfield v Derby
MK Dons v Sutton
Morecambe v Stoke
Northampton v Wycombe
Norwich v Birmingham
Oxford v Swansea
Rochdale v Burton
Walsall v Swindon
Reading v Stevenage (8pm)
Tomorrow
Blackburn v Hartlepool
Coventry v Bristol City
Middlesbrough v Barnsley
Plymouth v Peterborough
Port Vale v Rotherham
Sheffield Wednesday v Sunderland
Thursday
West Brom v Sheffield United (8pm)
LAST MEETING