Portsmouth host Bristol Rovers this evening at Fratton Park with both sides desperate for the points to achieve their aims this season.

Kenny Jackett’s men threw away a three-goal lead to draw 3-3 with Southend this past weekend and missed the chance to further close the gap on second-place Barnsley.

The draw meant Pompey’s poor run of form continued – failing to win in their last six matches.

Three defeats preceded three consecutive draws, and in fact, the club have won just three of their last ten fixtures as their wobble has taken its toll on their promotion chances.

Portsmouth remain third in the table, despite leading the division for a large chunk of the season.

Bristol Rovers, meanwhile, are outside the bottom four on goal difference and are sailing perilously close to the wind.

Their 1-1 draw with fellow strugglers Shrewsbury Town did little to allay fears of a possible relegation back to League Two.

Rovers have only lost once in their last six matches, but one win in that time, too, has seen their chances of climbing away from the relegation zone non-existent.

Ahead of the game, Sky Sports issued some early team news from both camps.

To the hosts, first, and Jackett could give Lloyd Isgrove his debut for the club this evening having joined on loan from Barnsley last month but has having been out with a knee injury, he has had to wait to play for his new club.

Nathan Thompson is still out with a knee injury suffered in training and is set to be sidelined for a further week.

Omar Bogle has been suffering from cramp in recent weeks but should be alright to start.

Bristol City, meanwhile, could have Stuart Sinclair available for the first time since the turn of the year having struggled with a concussion in recent weeks.

The verdict

All signs point to a home win this evening, but it will be a tough fixture for both sides to navigate.

Portsmouth and Bristol Rovers are in need of the points for different reasons and will be fighting tooth and nail to procure them.

Both teams drew at the weekend in different circumstances so whichever side can get over their previous result quicker has the best chances of taking the three points this evening.