Stevenage kick the new year off with a trip to Fratton Park for a huge clash with the Sky Bet League One leaders...
Boro sit fifth in the League One table, seven points behind Portsmouth having played the same number of games (24). Steve Evans’ men have won 12 of their first 24 league games this campaign and will be looking to continue their impressive form with a positive result over tough opposition on the road.
Stevenage’s last League One outing was on Boxing Day as Northampton Town came to town looking to spoil the festive fun. That certainly was not the case though, as Jamie Reid, Jordan Roberts and Elliott List grabbed the goals in a 3-0 thriller.
The Opposition
Portsmouth couldn’t have asked for a better League One campaign so far, as they sit top of the table on 50 points after 24 games. John Mousinho has been a huge success at the club, having led his side to 14 wins from 24 so far this season.
Despite their position in the league table, Pompey have failed to win in their last four games in all competitions and Boro will be hoping this continues. Their last fixture ended in a goalless draw with Exeter City. Before that, on Boxing Day, the side travelled to Bristol Rovers and suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of a 94th minute winner.
Their last victory came on the 16th of December as they travelled to Shrewsbury Town and earned a 3-0 victory, with Abu Kamara scoring a brace, and Marlon Pack also getting his name on the scoresheet. Colby Bishop is Pompey’s top scorer this season with twelve goals in all competitions.
The Manager
John Mousinho will be a familiar name to the Stevenage faithful, as he made 83 appearances in the red and white of Boro, scoring twelve goals. He is mostly known for scoring the only goal in the 2010/11 League Two play-off final to see Boro earn promotion to the third tier for the first time in the club’s history.
The Stadium
One of the most historic and famous grounds in English football, Fratton Park has been home to Portsmouth Football Club since 1899. The stadium has a capacity of 20,899, with a record attendance of 51,385 being set in 1949. Away supporters are typically housed in the Milton End (East Stand).
Officials
Charles Breakspear has been appointed Match Referee for Monday’s game with Shaun Farrer and Alex Bradley as his Assistants and Garry Maskell as Fourth Official. Breakspear has dished out 86 yellow cards and four reds in 19 games this season.