Accrington v Portsmouth '“ Big match previewÂ

Here's all the key facts and figures you need to know going into the game'¦

 

Accrington team news

Ever-present Jordan Clark is absent from Accrington's side for the visit of Pompey.

The midfielder is serving a one-match ban after collecting his fifth yellow card of the season in the week.

It means an expected recall for Piero Mingoia to the right-hand side of midfield for his maiden league start of the season.

However, goalkeeper Connor Ripley is back following a three-match ban and will replace Jonathan Maxted.

Seamus Conneely (groin) and Harvey Rodgers (knee) remain on the sidelines.

 

Likely Accrington line-up (4-4-2)

Connor Ripley, Callum Johnson, Mark Hughes, Michael Ihiekwe, Nick Anderton, Piero Mingoia, Sam Finley, Daniel Barlaser, Sean McConville, Offrande Zanzala, Billy Kee. Subs: Jonathan Maxted, Scott Brown, Connor Hall, Ross Sykes, Matthew Platt, Andy Mangan, Luke Charman

 

Pompey team news

Kenny Jackett is forced to rejig his engine room from Pompey's 2-2 draw with Burton on Tuesday. 

Tom Naylor is serving a one-match suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season against the Brewers.

Dion Donohue also limped out of the game with a hamstring injury and has been ruled out for 3-4 weeks. 

Ben Thompson dropped into a deeper after Donohue was replaced by Gareth Evans, who played in the No10 position.  

The Millwall loanee is likely to continue in a holding-midfield role, with Ben Close, Anton Walkes and Danny Rose all contending for a starting spot next to him.

Kenny Jackett also welcomes back Nathan Thompson, who missed the Burton game following the birth of his son. 

Andre Green (knee) is closing in on his return to full fitness. 

 

Likely Pompey line-up (4-2-3-1): Craig MacGillivray, Nathan Thompson, Matt Clarke, Jack Whatmough, Lee Brown, Anton Walkes, Ben Thompson, Jamal Lowe, Gareth Evans, Ronan Curtis, Oli Hawkins. Subs: Luke McGee, Brandon Haunstrup, Christian Burgess, Ben Close, David Wheeler, Joe Mason, Brett Pitman

 

Match odds (provided by the Betting Room, Southsea)

Accrington to win: 8/5

Pompey to win: 11/8

Draw: 9/4

 

Accrington form guide

L (Luton), W (Peterborough (A), W (Bradford), W (Mansfield), L (Shrewsbury).

Pompey form guide

D (Burton), W (Fleetwood), W (AFC Wimbledon), W (Crawley), L (Gillingham)

 

Accrington stats

Top scorer '“ Billy Kee & Sean McConville (6)

Most assists '“ Sean McConville (3)

Most games '“ Callum Johnson, Mark Hughes, Sam Finley, Sean McConville, Offrande Zanzala  (15) 

Form this season '“ W 8, D 5, L 4

 

Pompey stats

Top scorer '“ Ronan Curtis & Jamal Lowe (6)

Most assists '“ Ronan Curtis (5)

Most games '“ Matt Clarke (18)

Form this season '“ W 12, D 4, L2

 

Last time out

Pompey 2 Accrington 0 (February 17, 2017 '“ League Two)

 

Referee

Stephen Martin (Staffordshire)

 

Other games (all 3pm kick-offs unless stated)

AFC Wimbledon v Luton Town, Barnsley v Bristol Rovers, Burton Albion v Peterborough United, Coventry City v Doncaster Rovers, Fleetwood Town v Blackpool, Gillingham v Bradford City, Oxford United v Shrewsbury Town, Rochdale v Charlton Athletic, Scunthorpe United v Plymouth Argyle, Sunderland v Southend United, Walsall v Wycombe Wanderers