AFC Wimbledon v Portsmouth: Early team news

The striker has been sidelined for the past three weeks, further impacting on the goal-getting potential of League One's joint-lowest scorers.

The Wombles currently have former Pompey forward Jake Jervis leading their line, having joined on loan from Luton in August.

Andy Barcham continues to be an influential midfield presence, having left Fratton Park for Neal Ardley's side in the summer of 2015.

Meanwhile, Kenny Jackett must identify a left-sided stand-in during the absence of Ronan Curtis through international duty.

Potential deputies Andre Green (knee) and David Wheeler (ankle) are out injured, so Pompey's boss is seeking a replacement.

An option would be to switch Jamal Lowe from the right, with Gareth Evans filling that spot.

That would create a vacancy in the number 10 role. Joe Mason may come into the reckoning.

Elsewhere, Ben Thompson could replace Ben Close.

Meanwhile right-back Nathan Thompson is set for his 50th Pompey game.