Fratton Park will play host to a fierce Championship clash between Portsmouth and Bristol City, with both sides likely to be eyeing up a much-needed three points.
The Blues are likely looking to build on from their 2-2 draw against Swansea City but remain rock bottom of the Championship being four points from safety.
As for Bristol City, they are going for back-to-back wins after an impressive showing against Plymouth Argyle and sit five points off the play-off places.
With that said, here’s what both sides are looking like heading into the game.
Team News
Pompey still have a few big names out for Saturday’s clash, with Conor Shaughnessy, Jordan Williams, Ibane Bowat, and Mark O’Mahony all set to miss out.
John Mousinho also confirmed that Australian striker Kusini Yengi will be sidelined for nine to ten weeks after an injury picked up in training.
Despite several players being ruled out, Pompey fans could see the return of Jacob Farrell and Zak Swanson, with both training with the first-team squad.
Bristol City also have several injury problems going into Saturday, with Ayman Benarous, George Tanner, Joe Williams, and Mark Sykes all set to miss the game.
Former Pompey players Kal Naismith and Ross McCorrie are also set to miss out.
Recent form:
From the last 15 available, Portsmouth have picked up five points. This includes a win against Preston North End, draws against Hull and Swansea, and two losses at the hands of Plymouth Argyle and Sheffield Wednesday.
Despite only winning one from the last five, some Pompey fans may feel they deserve more after being clawed back from 2-0 against Swansea last Saturday and a flurry of late chances against Hull.
As for the Robins, they have picked up six points out of a possible fifteen. This includes wins against Plymouth and Norwich, and three losses against Watford, Burnley and Sheffield United.
Specifically, the 4-0 win against Plymouth would have been a confidence boost for Liam Manning’s side, who currently sit 11th in the Championship.
Head to head:
From the previous five competitive meetings, Portsmouth have won once, drew twice, and lost twice.
The most recent meeting came in the FA Cup 3rd round. Bristol City were victorious as they came out 2-1 winners, with goals from Famara Diedhiou and Chris Martin.
Players to watch:
Portsmouth – Josh Murphy:
On recent form, Murphy has been a shining light in this Pompey side, scoring three goals in his last four games.
However, it’s not just the goals that made him stand out. The 29-year-old has been a constant threat, often being a handful for the opposition defence.
His pace and power are vital in getting Pompey forward with the initiative to take on a man and either go for goal or find a man.
It’s important to highlight his performance against Swansea, where many blues fans have named it “his best in a blues shirt.”
Bristol City – Anis Mehmeti
Similarly to Murphy, the Albanian winger has been on fantastic form over the last few games, scoring four goals in his last five.
Since arriving from Wycombe Wanderers in January 2023, Mehetti has struggled to rack up similar numbers that he did for the Chairboys.
However, this season, it’s a different story with him getting six goals and one assist so far.
Verdict:
With a handful of games being called off already across the EFL this weekend, there is a chance that we may not see this one unfold.
However, Portsmouth’s official X account has said: “As things stand, Saturday’s game will go ahead as scheduled.”
If the game does go ahead, fans can expect a tight fixture, with both teams desperate for three points.
Bristol City have picked up 12 points thus far away from home, and Pompey have one win, three draws, and three losses at Fratton Park.