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.

13. Will Keane - out
Will Keane (R) hasn't played for Preston North End since the end of September because of an injury. | Getty Images Photo: Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images

14. Milutin Osmajic - out
Serves the final match of his eight-game ban. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images

15. Patrick Bauer - out
Underwent an operation on his elbow for an injury against Fulham in the Carabao Cup. Photo: Alex Livesey

16. Ched Evans - out
Yet to make an appearance this season due to a knee injury. Photo: Jess Hornby


