Pompey hope to follow up their convincing win over Coventry City as they travel to Vicarage Road to face Watford in EFL Championship on Boxing Day.
Callum Lang netted all four goals as Pompey inflicted a heavy defeat on to Frank Lampard's Coventry. The result coupled with defeats for Cardiff City and Oxford United meant that Pompey wouldn't be spending Christmas in the bottom three.
Watford tasted defeat last time out as they lost to Burnley. The Hornets were unable to mount a comeback despite Kwadwo Baah scoring 10 minutes from time.
A total of 12 places and 14-points separate Watford in eighth and Pompey in 20th. It's so tight for both teams with four clubs below them within two points of them, whilst Watford are just outside the top six by a point.
Prior to the match, John Mousinho spoke to The News to provide an update on the injuries that they are currently dealing with. The festive period will come too soon for most players but the New Year will hopefully see several players return. As for Watford, they don’t have many injuries to contend with but Tom Cleverley is hoping Imran Louza, who cost a reported €10 million will return.
1. Conor Shaughnessy - out
Conor Shaughnessy hasn't featured for Pompey since August following calf problems. | Jason Brown/ProSportsImages
2. Conor Shaughnessy - out (continued)
John Mousinho said prior to Coventry: "Shaughs is okay, we are looking at about three more weeks until he’s back in full training, so early January. "We will be cautious with him anyway because of the nature of the injury and the fact that, by the time it comes around to January, he will have been out for about five months | National World
3. Imran Louza - doubt
Absent against Burnley last week. He returned to training after missing the game due to illness. | Getty Images
4. Imran Louza - doubt (continued)
Tom Cleverley said: "“Imran Louza, who has been ill, has trained today and so we’re very hopeful that he’ll be available to play on Thursday." | Getty Images