Michael Owen believes a win against Southampton in the Carabao Cup tonight would relieve the pressure on Portsmouth manager Kenny Jackett, but is predicting a close game at Fratton Park.

Pompey reached the League One play-offs under Jackett last season, but have made a slow start to their new campaign and are without a win in their last five league matches.

After a 1-0 defeat at Wycombe at the weekend, Portsmouth must now turn their attention to the Carabao Cup third round and the visit of arch-rivals Southampton.

It will be the first meeting between the two sides in over seven years and despite the teams being two leagues apart, Owen is predicting a close game at Fratton Park.

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The former England striker admitted that he cannot split the two sides and feels the game could be decided by a penalty shootout.

"The TV cameras are at Fratton Park for the first derby between these two bitter rivals since 2012 and I can’t split the sides," Owen told BetVictor.

"I was disappointed with Southampton against Bournemouth on Friday evening, but Portsmouth are pulling up few trees in League One and some of the traveling Pompey supporters vented their frustration during their loss to Wycombe at the weekend.

"A win would certainly relieve the pressure on under-fire manager Kenny Jackett.

"Saints’ boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has indicated he will play his “best possible side” against his south coast rivals. It promises to be explosive and could easily be decided from the penalty spot."

Southampton are 13th in the Premier League table having taken seven points from their opening six matches.

The Verdict

It's always a big game when Portsmouth play Southampton and tonight will be no different. I'm expecting a close game and it'll be interesting to see who comes out on top.

Southampton will probably go into the game as favourites, but it should be a great atmosphere at Fratton Park and the Portsmouth players will be determined to get a result to relieve some of the pressure on their manager.

Pompey have made a bit of a slow start this season, but a win against their rivals in the cup tonight would give the players a huge confidence boost going into their next few league games.