Portsmouth vs Blackpool. Sky Bet League One.
Fratton ParkAttendance18,403.
Friday 11 January 2019 11:35, UK
Portsmouth will be without striker Oli Hawkins for Saturday's Sky Bet League One clash against Blackpool at Fratton Park.
Hawkins has been troubled by a calf muscle issue during the past couple of weeks, missing the FA Cup victory over Norwich last Saturday and is set to be sidelined for the next couple of matches.
League leaders Pompey are also set to be without full-backs Nathan Thompson and Lee Brown, who have hamstring injuries, together with Ben Close (ankle). Portsmouth go into this weekend's encounter with a five-point lead over second-placed Luton.
Blackpool, fresh from taking on Arsenal in the FA Cup, could be without goalkeeper Mark Howard. Howard went off during the cup-tie because of a groin injury, and is thought to be a major doubt, with Christoffer Mafoumbi set to deputise.
In a boost for the Tangerines, though, Jordan Thompson is available again following suspension. And three other players - Curtis Tilt, Ollie Turton and Ben Heneghan - all look set to be available for selection following recent absences due to injuries and illness.
Portsmouth have won three of their last four league games against Blackpool (L1), this after picking up just three victories in the previous 11 (D6 L2).
Blackpool won at Fratton Park in the league last season, ending a seven-game winless run on the road against Portsmouth, where they failed to score on six occasions (D3 L4) - they haven't won successive league games at Portsmouth since September 1971.
Portsmouth have won six of their last seven home games in all competitions, losing the other 1-2 to Charlton in December.
Blackpool have gone five games without a win in all competitions (D1 L4), their longest winless run since February 2018 (six games).
Portsmouth's Brett Pitman has scored six goals in his last three league appearances against Blackpool.