It is a Papa John’s Trophy second round tie that has appeared cursed from the outset.
But Exeter and Pompey will finally do battle at St James Park this evening (7.30pm kick-off) for a place in the competition’s last 16.
Originally scheduled for the start of December, a mix-up over substitutions forced the hosts to have to replay an FA Cup contest on the same evening.
A new date was arranged for just before Christmas, but that also fell through because of a Covid outbreak among both squads.
So it has certainly been a long time coming and tonight’s victors know they will be heading to Cambridge in the next round on Tuesday.
And with the quarter-final draw having already taken place, a trip to Rotherham lies in wait for one of those three teams.
Blues fans will certainly remember the last time they faced Exeter in this competition, with the sides meeting at Fratton Park for a semi-final clash in February 2020.
Trailing 2-1 as the game reached stoppage-time, Cameron McGeehan and John Marquis both struck to break Grecians hearts and send the hosts to Wembley.
Exeter currently sit eighth in the League Two standings and are just a point outside the play-off spots following Tuesday night’s goalless draw at Forest Green.
Please note that in the event of a draw after 90 minutes, there will be no extra-time and the tie will be decided by a penalty shoot-out.
TEAM NEWS
Pompey have no new injury concerns and no current cases of Covid-19 in the squad, with Clark Robertson, Louis Thompson and Ryan Tunnicliffe all back in full training.
Exeter boss Matt Taylor has suggested he will rotate his squad, while Jonathan Grounds (calf) is likely to miss out.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of Blues boss Danny Cowley ahead of the game.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 14 wins
Exeter: 6 wins
8 draws
At St James Park
Pompey: 5 wins
Exeter: 2 wins
7 draws
TICKETS
Pompey fans will be able to secure tickets at St James Park this evening. Click here for full details.
If you are travelling to the game, click here to read an away fans’ guide on the Exeter website.
OFFICIALS
Referee: Paul Howard
Assistants: Declan O’Shea and Kevin Morris
Fourth Official: Brett Huxtable
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 Saturday.
Local listeners can hear commentary by tuning in to either Express FM or BBC Radio Solent.
BETTING
Pompey are the 87/100 favourites with VBET to secure all three points, while the hosts can be backed at 14/5.
Click here to find a comprehensive list of odds for this evening’s game. 18+. Please gamble responsibly.
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When it comes to betting, we advise all fans to make use of our dedicated responsible gambling site.
PAPA JOHN’S TROPHY QUARTER-FINAL DRAW
Rotherham v Exeter/Pompey or Cambridge
Sutton v Harrogate
Hartlepool v Charlton
Wigan v Arsenal U21 or Chelsea U21
LAST MEETING