Exeter come to Portsmouth for the first time since 1983 looking to continue their good run of form on the road, whilst Pompey will be looking to get back to winning ways.
Team News
Sonny Bradley returns to the squad after serving his suspension which will mean Joe Devera playing at full back, probably in place of Shaun Cooper. Jake Jervis may start if his signing is approved by UEFA in time but if not then John Marquis will continue up front as David Connolly and Tom Craddock are still unavailable.
Pat Baldwin is a doubt for Exeter having not trained all week due to a groin strain whilst Danny Butterfield is definitely out with a calf injury.
The Match
This is a tough one to call simply because whenever Pompey look like they might put a run together, they struggle to beat the likes of Plymouth and Torquay and yet somehow they can also pull out a performance every now and then which makes them look like promotion contenders.
The Grecians will be tough opposition despite their 1-0 home defeat to Burton last week. Their away form is impressive as they tend to edge tight games which makes me believe that this may well be another match like the home defeats to Chesterfield and Fleetwood who came to Fratton Park and shut Pompey down.
Exeter supposedly lack pace at the back and struggle to contain wingers so Jed Wallace and Ricky Holmes could have a field day if they're on song. Unfortunately it doesn't seem like Jake Jervis will sign in time to play in this game which is a shame as he could have made use of the delivery he would have received from the wings.
That means John Marquis is going to have to impress up front having missed some excellent scoring opportunities recently. Ryan Bird may fancy himself for more than just a cameo in the future if the Millwall loanee keeps missing sitters.
Having Sonny Bradley back will be a huge bonus having watched Pompey's defending at Torquay last week, especially in the first half when they were so disorganised. A clean sheet would be nice but the visitors have some good attacking players that are sure to pose problems down the flanks.
A win here may change the entire direction of Pompey's season as promotion aspects start to be weighed up when the January transfer window opens.
Predicted Starting Line-Ups
Pompey
GK: Trevor CARSON
RB: Yassin MOUTAOUAKIL
CB: Sonny BRADLEY
CB: Bondz N'GALA
LB: Joe DEVERA
RM: Jed WALLACE
CM: Johnny ERTL
CM: Simon FERRY
LM: Ricky HOLMES
CF: Patrick AGYEMANG
CF: John MARQUIS
Exeter
GK: Artur KRYSIAK
RB: Scot BENNETT
CB: Pat BALDWIN
CB: Danny COLES
LB: Craig WOODMAN
RM: Liam SERCOMBE
CM: Matt GILL
CM: Tommy DOHERTY
LM: Aaron DAVIES
SS: Alan GOW
CF: John O'FLYNN
Last Time: Portsmouth 3 Exeter City 2 (Division Three - 12/02/1983)
Alan Biley, Mick Tait and Ernie Howe got on the scoresheet to win the match for Pompey even if Steve Neville's double for the visitors had fans nervous towards the end of the match.
My Prediction
Pompey's recent performances have not been spectacular but the team seem to have a knack of not being beaten and despite Exeter's good away form, I don't think they'll win at Fratton Park.
Portsmouth 1 Exeter City 1