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.
9. Harvey Blair - doubt (continued)
"He was out for about a week, but he's back now," said John Mousinho. "He trained on Monday, he'll train again today, and he'll be available for the weekend as long as everything goes okay. He's raring to go. Photo: Jason Brown
10. Paddy Lane - doubt
‘Paddy is one that should be returning for the weekend as well," said John Mousinho in his pre-match press conference. He's been dealing with an Achilles problem. Photo: Jason Brown
11. Jacob Farrell - out
It's too soon for Farrell to return as he recovers from a knee injury. Photo: Jason Brown
12. Ibane Bowat - out
The 22-year-old centre-back ruptured the patella tendon in his right knee as he took a shot on goal during training in September. The injury required surgey and has ruled him out for the remainder of the season. | Pro Sport Images