The likely date Portsmouth's trip to Crewe will be rearranged for

It was more frustration for Pompey as their trip to Crewe was postponed on Saturday.
CREWE, ENGLAND - JANUARY 05: A general view of the stadium prior to the FA Cup Third Round match between Crewe Alexandra and Barnsley at Gresty Road on January 05, 2020 in Crewe, England. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)CREWE, ENGLAND - JANUARY 05: A general view of the stadium prior to the FA Cup Third Round match between Crewe Alexandra and Barnsley at Gresty Road on January 05, 2020 in Crewe, England. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
CREWE, ENGLAND - JANUARY 05: A general view of the stadium prior to the FA Cup Third Round match between Crewe Alexandra and Barnsley at Gresty Road on January 05, 2020 in Crewe, England. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)

The Gresty Road fixture was one of a swathe of fixtures to fall foul of Storm Darcy.

Alexandra's pitch was frozen during an inspection on Friday morning, with a local referee declaring it would not improve with sub-zero temperatures overnight in Cheshire.

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As a consequence, the Blues have to cram another game into their already jam-packed diary.

And assessing Kenny Jackett’s side’s schedule, it is likely that Tuesday, April 13 will be the date the encounter is rearranged for.

Pompey only have three midweek slots available to get the game on – March 23, April 13 and May 4. Crewe also have those dates free.

Yet the former can seemingly be scratched out because the Blues have already switched a match from that date.

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Pompey were due to travel to Accrington on Tuesday, March 23, after the clash originally due to go ahead on January 2 was postponed because of a frozen pitch.

However, the trip to Stanley was changed to April 27.

That was likely because the March date falls when there is an international break.

The Blues could potentially see four of their players called up for duty with their respective countries.

Ronan Curtis and Marcus Harness are vying to go away with the Republic of Ireland, Craig MacGillivray is pushing for a recall to the Scotland squad while Ryan Williams is challenging to link up with Australia.

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Given the hectic fixture list, Jackett might have to reluctantly face Shrewsbury on Saturday, March 27 – even some of his troops are away on international duty.

However, he wouldn't be too keen to play twice without potentially four of his key players.

The other remaining free Tuesday in Pompey's diary is May 4.

That’s four days until their final game of the campaign against Accrington, though.

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The Blues would surely prefer having a clear week of training heading into that clash as their promotion bid may still hang in the balance.

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