Portsmouth vs Stoke preview: Pompey target seven unbeaten against promotion contenders

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Portsmouth can extend their unbeaten Championship run to seven matches when Stoke City visit Fratton Park on Saturday, but injuries threaten to complicate John Mousinho’s preparations.

Both sides arrive after midweek victories. Pompey beat Swansea 3-1 with two stoppage-time goals, while Stoke won 2-1 at Blackburn to maintain their impressive away form.

Kick-off is at 12.30pm GMT on Saturday 7 November. Fourth-placed Stoke face a Portsmouth side who have taken 13 points from their past five home league matches.

Portsmouth vs Stoke preview: Fratton form meets away strength

Portsmouth’s confidence received another lift on Tuesday, when Terry Devlin and Thomas Waddingham struck in added time to settle a dramatic contest against Swansea.

Devlin had already opened the scoring before Swansea equalised late on. His second goal restored Pompey’s lead, with Waddingham completing the victory, as detailed in Portsmouth’s official match report.

Stoke present another demanding test. Mark Robins’ side lost their opening three league games but have suffered only one defeat since, against Middlesbrough.

Their win at Blackburn was their fourth away success of the season. No Championship side had collected more away points heading into this fixture, according to Pompey’s match preview.

Jack McGlynn’s free-kick helped Stoke on their way at Ewood Park. For Portsmouth, the challenge is to reproduce their recent home performances against opponents who have become increasingly comfortable on the road.

Portsmouth team news: Milovanović ruled out

Marko Milovanović will miss the Stoke match after suffering a quad injury against Swansea. Iyad Mohamed also came off with a calf problem, leaving Mousinho with another fitness concern.

“Marko went for a scan on a quad injury on Thursday and won’t be available,” Mousinho said in the club’s pre-match injury update.

Keshi Anderson, Benjamin Arthur, Colby Bishop, Luke Brooke-Smith, Márk Kosznovszky, Connor Ogilvie and John Swift remain sidelined.

Mousinho said Swift was still around four weeks away and Arthur was targeting a return during December. He did not put a timeframe on Ogilvie’s recovery.

Stoke City team news: Galbraith returns from suspension

Ethan Galbraith is available after serving a one-match suspension against Blackburn. His return gives Robins another midfield option as Stoke look to build on their latest away victory.

Friday’s team news report in The News lists Sam Gallagher, Aaron Cresswell, Eric Bocat, Lamine Cissé and Ato Ampah as still unavailable.

Earlier previews had described Gallagher and Cresswell as possible returnees. The later report quotes Robins saying players are emerging from treatment but still need time to recover.

What could decide Portsmouth vs Stoke?

Analysis: Portsmouth’s recent home results give them a strong platform, but their growing injury list limits Mousinho’s options. Milovanović’s absence makes it particularly important that the remaining attackers provide a reliable outlet.

Stoke’s away record suggests they will be difficult to unsettle. Galbraith’s return adds another midfield choice, while McGlynn’s free-kick at Blackburn is a reminder that conceding fouls near the penalty area could prove costly.

Neither side needs to chase the game recklessly. Portsmouth have momentum at Fratton Park, and Stoke have shown they can collect points away from home.

Portsmouth vs Stoke prediction

Dave.Sport prediction: Portsmouth 1-1 Stoke.

Pompey’s home form and Stoke’s away results point towards a close contest. Portsmouth’s absences slightly temper their prospects, but their recent performances suggest they can take something from another difficult fixture.

How to watch Portsmouth vs Stoke

Portsmouth vs Stoke kicks off at 12.30pm GMT on Saturday 7 November at Fratton Park and is listed for Sky Sports+ coverage.

Follow our Portsmouth vs Stoke match centre for fixture information and matchday updates. More coverage is available in our Championship news section.

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