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The Bulls travel to Fratton Park on Tuesday night for a Carling Cup second round match with Portsmouth.
It is 26 years since the two sides were paired in the then Milk Cup as Second Division Pompey narrowly beat the Fourth Division Bulls 5-4 on aggregate. The first leg 3-2 win at Edgar Street is the Bulls' only victory over Pompey in nine attempts. The Bulls failed to score in the six League matches between the sides in the Fourth Division around 30 years ago.
Portsmouth's start to the season has been overshadowed by their financial problems. Despite banking around £27million through sales this summer they remain deeply in debt, with stories over the weekend that they owe agents millions in unpaid commission that is seriously overdue. Manager Paul Hart has been reduced to trialling the likes of Moses Ashikodi in an effort to boost his weakened squad, while Kanu agreed a month long contract with the club as that was all they could afford. They have lost all three of their Premier League games, scoring only once, and a string of injuries means the Bulls will likely face a second string side at a deserted Fratton Park.
John Trewick says his squad will have no fear this season, and it should be the case on Tuesday night. While the side has showed poor form in the League, their performance against higher graded opposition in the First Round should mean a competitive game at Fratton Park. With Bristol City pair Tristan Plummer and Marlon Jackson both allowed to play in the cup competition, Trewick may choose to give further rest to his bruised front line so that he can take his side fully armed into Saturday's more important League match with Port Vale.
Portsmouth vs Hereford United, Tuesday 25th August, Fratton Park, 7.45pm.
