The more important Pompey v Peterborough fixture taking place on the south coast this week is arguably Saturday’s league contest.
But the Fratton faithful will still be hoping to see their side book a spot in the third round of the Carabao Cup this evening (7.45pm kick-off).
Neither team has a particularly impressive recent record in the competition, with the Blues only progressing beyond this stage once in the past 12 years.
Last year’s run to round two, meanwhile, ended a run of five successive falls at their first hurdle for tonight’s visitors.
Darren Ferguson’s Posh outfit – who are behind Pompey on goal difference in the League One standings – beat Swindon on penalties to secure this trip to Portsea Island.
Joel Randall’s early goal had been cancelled out in a 1-1 draw at London Road before the hosts triumphed 4-1 in the shoot-out.
This will be the fifth time that the sides have met in the EFL Cup, with Miles Storey grabbing the only goal for Pompey in the most recent of those in August 2014.
Peterborough’s last trip to Fratton Park was for a league contest almost exactly a year ago, with Dane Scarlett’s brace securing a 2-1 win for the Blues.
If tonight’s match is level after 90 minutes, then no extra-time will be played and the tie will go straight to penalties.
TEAM NEWS
Josh Dockerill (knee), Tom Lowery (knee) and Kusini Yengi (ankle) are all currently sidelined for Pompey, while Joe Rafferty starts a three-match ban.
Anthony Scully is also missing for this evening’s game as the Blues await the result of a scan for a knee injury.
Will Blackmore (hip) Jeando Fuchs (thigh) are both expected to remain in the Peterborough treatment room for some time.
Posh bosh Daren Ferguson has said he will change his entire team for tonight’s cup tie, with several academy players expected to be on the bench.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of John Mousinho and Christian Saydee ahead of the game.
💬 "Either way it will be a strong team"
— Portsmouth FC (@Pompey) August 29, 2023
🗣️ John Mousinho previews #Pompey's clash with Peterborough pic.twitter.com/BxMqbqPblo
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 13 wins
Peterborough: 12 wins
9 draws
At Fratton Park
Pompey: 9 wins
Peterborough: 6 wins
3 draws
TICKETS
Fans are advised to secure their seats online here and avoid any booking fees, but there will also be sales from the Anson Road ticket office.
A larger proportion of supporters pay on the day for cup games and fans are advised that if there are queues for tickets, they can purchase on their phone.
Season ticket holders are advised that they will need a match ticket for this game and cannot use their season card.
Please note that the North Stand Upper is not open for this fixture.
MATCHDAY GUIDE
The FanZone will be open, with a DJ getting everyone pumped for the game and the usual inflatable fun for our young supporters.
The Victory Bar will be open from 5pm for home fans, while a smaller poster programme has been produced, which is priced £2.
If you are driving to the game, please note that there is a scheduled road closure in Fratton Way.
OFFICIALS
Referee: Charles Breakspear
Assistants: Joseph Stokes and Steven Plane
Fourth Official: Lee Swabey
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 key updates throughout the game on Twitter and a detailed blog via the match centre.
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 (not available online).
ALSO IN CARABAO CUP
Games kick-off at 7.45pm unless stated
Tonight
Swansea v Bournemouth (7.30pm)
Birmingham v Cardiff
Bolton v Middlesbrough
Bristol City v Norwich
Exeter v Stevenage
Fulham v Tottenham
Luton v Gillingham
Newport v Brentford
Plymouth v Crystal Palace
Port Vale v Crewe
Sheffield Wednesday v Mansfield
Stoke v Rotherham
Tranmere v Leicester
Wolves v Blackpool
Wrexham v Bradford
Wycombe v Sutton
Reading v Ipswich (8pm)
Salford v Leeds (8pm)
Tomorrow
Chelsea v AFC Wimbledon
Harrogate v Blackburn
Nottingham Forest v Burnley
Sheffield United v Lincoln
Doncaster v Everton (8pm)
LAST CARABAO CUP MEETING