Fleetwood Town welcome Portsmouth to Highbury Stadium on Saturday 22 February, and we have all you need to know ahead of kick-off in our match preview.
Fixture: Fleetwood Town v Portsmouth
Competition: Sky Bet League One
Date: Saturday 22 February 2020
Kick-off: 15:00
Venue: Highbury Stadium, Park Avenue, Fleetwood, FY7 6TX.
Match officials: Matthew Donohue (Referee), Nik Barnard and James Wilson (Assistants) Mark Cunliffe (Fourth Official)
Saturday’s match between Fleetwood and Doncaster will be Mr. Joyce’s first visit to Highbury this season. He did referee Town’s Emirates FA Cup Second Round tie against Crawley, which saw Joey Barton’s side win 2-1.
Donohue has officiated 25 games this season in all competitions, and branched out 101 yellow cards and four red cards.
FLEETWOOD TOWN
The Cod Army are back at Highbury after last weekend’s 2-1 victory over promotion hopefuls, Peterborough United. Callum Connolly scored in the 15th minute to give Fleetwood the lead, with Dan Butler equalising for Posh with a thunderous strike ten minutes into the second half. Wes Burns scored what proved to be the winner in the 76th minute, making it four wins on the bounce for Barton and his troops.
When you look back at the last six seasons since Fleetwood got promoted to League One, after 30 league matches played, it’s the best points tally collected since the 2016/17 campaign – where the club reached the play-offs.
There are no new injury concerns, with Town’s head coach looking to keep the seven game unbeaten run going against another side looking to push the teams above them.
PORTSMOUTH
The visitors to Highbury Stadium on Saturday currently sit two places above Fleetwood in 6th place, with their last league win being a 2-0 victory over Shrewsbury Town. Ellis Harrison – former Bristol Rovers forward – gave Pompey the lead after the hour mark, before John Marquis made sure of the points eight minutes from time.
Kenny Jackett’s side were in action on Tuesday night in the Leasing.com Trophy, and they left it late to secure a place at Wembley in the final. Five goals were scored with 12 minutes to go, with Pompey scoring two goals in added on time to beat Exeter City 3-2.
Marcus Harness, John Marquis and Cameron McGeehan scored for the League One side. They will now face Salford City at the home of football in April.
ONE TO WATCH – JOHN MARQUIS
One for Town fans to keep an eye out for on Saturday afternoon is forward, John Marquis. The 27-year-old has played 40 matches in all competitions this season, scoring 13 goals in the process.
The former Doncaster Rovers man has scored 8 goals in his last 11 matches in all competition, a run that began when Fleetwood and Portsmouth last met in the FA Cup on January 4 2020, which saw Portsmouth progress to Round Four.
Since that cup clash between the two, Kenny Jackett’s side has won 11 of their last 12 matches, with the only loss coming in their narrow 1-0 defeat away at Coventry City.
Marquis has played a huge part on that run, and will be looking to maintain his scoring form against the Cod Army. It will be up to Town’s defender to stop Pompey’s main man on the day.
WATCH THE GAME ON iFOLLOW
If you can’t make Saturday’s match against Portsmouth, don’t worry as we have it covered with iFollow – meaning you can live stream or just listen to full match commentary in the comfort of your own home.
Supporters based in the United Kingdom and Ireland can pay just £2.50 for an Audio Match Pass.
For fans based overseas, or for those who are on holiday abroad, they will be able to watch the match on iFollow for £5 – What are you waiting for? Buy your match pass HERE.
If you want to know more about iFollow, and find out ways to support the Cod Army, click HERE. (terms and conditions)
Any further questions on iFollow Fleetwood, please contact sam.fielding@fleetwoodtownfc.com.
PRE-MATCH WITH JOEY BARTON
Fleetwood Town head coach Joey Barton spoke to the media on Thursday at Poolfoot Farm, and you can watch his full interview on iFollow.
WHAT KENNY JACKETT HAD TO SAY
“All of the players and coaching staff will say that the league is most definitely our number one priority. Everyone was delighted to get through on Tuesday night, but we all know that Saturday is the most important thing.
“Consistency and winning games does of course help you, though, in terms of rolling on to the next game. Win, lose or draw, I move on very quickly and make sure the players do as well, so all our concentration is on the weekend.
“We’ve been there (Highbury Stadium) once before in the FA Cup and got a win, but they have a strong team and are competing with us in the league.
“Nobody here is underestimating them because the job that Joey Barton and Clint Hill has done there is outstanding. You always know it will be difficult against one of your rivals – in terms of where the sides are in the table – and we have to get our own performance right.”
HOW TO GET YOUR MATCHDAY TICKETS
Tickets for the match will remain on sale until kick-off. Supporters will be able to buy theirs at the Club Shop at Highbury or down at the club’s training ground Poolfoot Farm.
Fans can also purchase their tickets online HERE, or head down to the ground on the day of the game – prices are as followed:
Adults from - £24
Seniors & Under 25s from - £19
Under 16s from - £9
If you require further details on tickets, please contact the Ticket Office on 01253 775080, or visit the Club Shop prior the match.
SKY BET’S BETTING ODDS
Fleetwood are 13/8 to pick up all three points at home against Portsmouth. A draw between the two sides is priced at 21/10, with the away side 13/8 to win on the road.
One of Sky Bets’ price boosts are for Fleetwood to win and for both teams to score – 11/2.
For Joey Barton’s side to beat Portsmouth 2-1, you can get odds of 9/1.
For more odds on SkyBet, click HERE Please remember to bet and gamble responsibly.