Pompey remain on the search for their first home win of the EFL Championship season as they host Preston North End at Fratton Park.
Both side’s were in action in midweek with John Mousinho’s men suffering a 1-0 defeat to Plymouth Argyle at Home Park on Tuesday night. PNE played a day later and played to a goalless draw with Sunderland.
Pompey are six points adrift of safety and even a win this weekend would only take them above QPR. As for North End, they're outside of the relegation zone on goal difference, with six teams on 15 points. A win could take the visitors as high as 15th depending on other results.
In his pre-match press conference, John Mousinho said: ‘’Every game we approach, we approach it as a must-win’ and with the two sides battling at the bottom of the division, a victory for either side would mean a lot, whilst a defeat would mean bad news for the losers.
The international break is just around the corner and that will offer some respite for those players who are nursing some knocks and niggles. It's a period of time for those currently sidelined with any injuries to do some work on the training ground, get their injuries assessed in the medical room, and then come back when they're fit and ready.
Below is the latest team news from both Pompey and Preston North End ahead of the match. It includes quotes from both Mousinho and North End boss Paul Heckingbottom, as they provide the full picture on the injury situation at both club’s.
5. Colby Bishop - out (continued)
Colby is good, it’s still a long way to recovery," said John Mousinho. "He's been back out on the grass, he’s doing a lot more technical and ball work, and we’re really looking forward to getting him back. ‘I would be astounded if he doesn’t come back this season, he will be champing at the bit by the time we are ready to play him. ‘It’s difficult enough sometimes to put a timescale on normal injuries. ‘It’s a long road for Colby, but he is taking it really well.’ Photo: Portsmouth FC
6. Conor Shaughnessy - out
Conor Shaughnessy hasn't played for Pompey since August 17 against Luton Town. He nearly returned, but was then withdrawn from the starting line-up after suffering a setback. Photo: Jason Brown/ProSportsImages
7. Conor Shaughnessy - out (continued)
John Mousinho said: "It’s one where we can look at Conor (coming back after the international break) depending on what he does over the next couple of weeks. ‘It’s not completely out of the question for Conor but we haven’t got him back in training yet, so we don’t want to push him too soon and then see him break down. We have to make sure he’s right. ‘It’s the same as when we selected him for the Sheffield United game. If he’s there, he’s fully fit and he’s trained, he’s there, he’s fully fit and he’s trained. ‘We’re not going to hold him back anymore than we need to, but we’re also not going to push him if we don’t think he’s ready.’ Photo: Picture: Jason Brown/ProSportsImages
8. Harvey Blair - doubt
Hasn't played for Pompey since the 1-1 draw with Oxford United. Trained this week, but not 100% guaranteed to return. | National World