Match Preview | Argyle v Portsmouth
Argyle and Portsmouth have met 11 times since that famous day when Peter Hartley scored in front of the Devonport End to send the Pilgrims to Wembley in 2016.
On eight of those 11 occasions, nothing has separated the sides. Even more oddly, five of those eight draws have been 2-2, and four of the last five meetings have finished two apiece.
The recent exception is last season's fixture at Home Park, in which Ryan Hardie scored the only goal of the game.
Portsmouth come to Home Park in 10th place in Sky Bet League One, with 38 points from 27 games. They have not long switched manager, with Danny Cowley's dismissal leading to the appointment of John Mousinho.
It is Mousinho's first managerial job. The 36-year-old played over 500 games in his playing career, most recently for Oxford United, where he also had coaching responsibilities. During his time at the Kassam, Mousinho was made the chairman of the PFA Players' Board.
Portsmouth have played four games since Mousinho took over, winning the first two, both 2-0, against Exeter City and Fleetwood Town. A 2-1 defeat at Peterborough United followed, and most recently Pompey drew 1-1 at home to Barnsley.
Portsmouth have been fairly reliant on the goals of Colby Bishop, who has 15 this season, 12 in the league. Defender Connor Ogilvie is next on the goals tally, with four league efforts. Attacker Ronan Curtis has six goals to his name this season, but only one in the league.
Portsmouth made four additions during the January window, including former Argyle goalkeeper Matt Macey. Macey played for the Greens 38 times during the 2018/19 season, whilst on loan from Arsenal. He has subsequently played for Hibernian and Luton Town, the latter of which he has temporarily left for a loan spell with Pompey.
Portsmouth also brought in Di'Shon Bernard, a 22-year-old defender on loan from Manchester United; Riley Towler, another defender, this time signed on a permanent basis, having been on loan at Wimbledon from Bristol City; and deadline day acquisition Paddy Lane, a player who scored for his last club Fleetwood in a 3-3 draw against Argyle last season.
Schumacher Says
“They are getting to know the new manager. They had an immediate bounce, beating Exeter and Fleetwood, had a tough game against Peterborough, where they were on the wrong end of a result, then had another good performance against Barnsley.
“I'm looking forward to seeing [John]. We did our pro license together. We've kept in contact. I wished him well when he was first appointed. I said: ‘if there's anything I can help you with, let me know.’ He still hasn't let me know yet, but I'll only speak to him next week after the game.
“He's a good lad. I do wish him well, because he’s another young coach who's hopefully going to go on to good things in his career.
“He's one of the most intelligent footballers you'll ever meet. He's got mad, crazy degrees. He was PFA chairman, so they obviously hold him in high regard from that point of view. He’s highly educated, well spoken. When he did his interview, I'm sure Portsmouth were impressed with everything he had to say."
Team News
Mike Cooper will miss the game - and the rest of the season - because of a knee injury sustained against Sheffield Wednesday last weekend. Dan Scarr is also out because of foot injury picked up against the Owls, and Steven Schumacher reports that Niall Ennis, who missed the trip to Hillsborough, is likely to once again be absent because of a lingering hip issue.
Tickets
This game is sold-out. If you are a season-ticket holder, or you already have a match ticket, and you are not able to attend the game, please contact the Ticket Office via the above channels or on tickets@pafc.co.uk. If your ticket is resold, we will arrange a credit.
Turnstiles will open two hours before kick-off, from 1pm. Supporters are advised to enter through the turnstile identified on their match ticket. However, if neighbouring turnstiles have shorter queues, supporters are permitted to enter these to speed up access to the stadium.
Argyle TV
The game will be covered on Argyle TV, with commentary from Charlie Price and Pilgrims midfielder Conor Grant.
Erin Black will host a pre-match show which will be available for free on YouTube from 2pm. She will be joined by former Argyle Women's captain Katie Middleton.
Audio commentary of the game is available for £2.50 in the UK, and live video streaming is available for overseas supporters.
