Pompey fans could have been forgiven for letting out a loud groan when they woke to the news on Monday morning.
Storm Franklin meant the River Severn had flooded areas of Shropshire, including Shrewsbury town centre.
Thankfully the football ground is located further away and this evening’s League One contest (7.45pm kick-off) is set to go ahead as scheduled.
The heavy rain – this time from Storm Eunice – had already caused both clubs to see their matches at the weekend get postponed.
There was a controversial decision to call off the Blues’ match at Crewe just over an hour before kick-off, when the surface appeared fine by 3pm.
The Shrews’ scheduled home contest with Morecambe also fell victim to a waterlogged pitch, leaving them 18th in the table and just four points above the drop zone.
Steve Cotterill’s side are currently on a seven-match winless run in the league, although that does include five draws.
Ryan Tunnicliffe’s early strike was enough to secure all three points for Pompey when the teams met on the south coast back in August.
They also won 2-1 at Shrewsbury last season – which was Danny Cowley’s first away match in charge – thanks to goals from Marcus Harness and John Marquis, with the latter also being sent off.
TEAM NEWS
Pompey are without Kieron Freeman (ankle) and Shaun Williams (back), while Jayden Reid (knee) and Liam Vincent (shin) remain sidelined.
Joe Morrell is still suspended for one more fixture following his harsh red card at Oxford, while Mahlon Romeo (ankle) is a doubt.
Defender Tom Flanagan could make his full debut for Shrewsbury following a January switch from Sunderland, but Shaun Whalley (thigh) is injured.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of Danny Cowley and Clark Robertson ahead of the game.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 16 wins
Shrewsbury: 10 wins
4 draws
On the road
Pompey: 4 wins
Shrewsbury: 8 wins
2 draws
TICKETS
Pompey fans can secure tickets at Shrewsbury this evening and more details can be found here.
With flooding around the town centre, fan may experience some travel disruption. Visit the @ShrewsFCPolice Twitter account for updates.
@Pompey fans! Important information if you are making the trip to @shrewsweb on Tues. The town Centre is likely to be cut off due to floods. Please avoid. Some options attached and in the comments section @PompeyfcCop @PompeyTrust pic.twitter.com/zqZ0xkPKs3
— Shrewsbury FC Police (@ShrewsFCPolice) February 21, 2022
OFFICIALS
Referee: Sebastian Stockbridge
Assistants: Ian Smedley and Billy Smallwood
Fourth Official: Paul Graham
MATCH COVERAGE
Supporters at home and abroad can watch the contest live by purchasing an iFollow match pass and visiting the match centre.
Domestic iFollow subscribers can also enjoy audio commentary from Andrew Moon and Guy Whittingham as usual, but will need to purchase a match pass if they want to watch the game.
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.
BETTING
Pompey are the 27/20 favourites with VBET to secure all three points, while the hosts 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 LEAGUE
Games kick-off at 7.45pm unless stated
Cambridge v Plymouth
Charlton v MK Dons
Crewe v Oxford
Doncaster v Accrington
Gillingham v AFC Wimbledon
Ipswich v Cheltenham
Rotherham v Morecambe
Sunderland v Burton
Wycombe v Wigan
Bolton v Lincoln (8pm)
LAST SEASON