Portsmouth vs Blackpool. Sky Bet League One.
Fratton ParkAttendance17,895.
Friday 23 February 2018 12:00, UK
Portsmouth manager Kenny Jackett is hopeful winger Kal Naismith will be fit for the visit of Blackpool.
The 26-year-old missed the midweek win at Fleetwood with a minor groin problem but could return to this weekend's squad.
Nathan Thompson sits out the second game of his four-match ban while Gareth Evans and Brett Pitman are expected to be sidelined for another couple of matches. Midfielder Stuart O'Keefe is likely to be out until mid-April having undergone a hernia operation.
Blackpool striker Kyle Vassell will hope to be able to force his way back into the squad after being left out the last two games. Midfielder Jimmy Ryan is set to start his third successive match for the first time since Boxing Day after a number of niggling injuries.
Forward Mark Cullen (hamstring) and midfielder Jim McAlister (bone bruising) are still some weeks away from full fitness. Winger Viv Solomon-Otabor showed no ill effects from the cramp he suffered last week and is set to continue.
Pompey are unbeaten in nine home matches against Blackpool in all competitions (W6 D3), keeping seven clean sheets.
The Seasiders haven't kept a clean sheet in any of their last 11 matches against Portsmouth in all competitions since a 0-0 draw in October 1975 under manager Ian St. John.
Brett Pitman has scored 14 goals for Portsmouth in league competition this year; his most in a single league season since 2012/13, when he netted 19 for Bournemouth.
After picking up five wins in their first eight league games in this campaign (D2 L1), Blackpool have registered just four victories in the following 25 contests (D10 L11). In fact, they won just two of their last 16.