Andy Cannon missing from Portsmouth trip to Tranmere

The midfielder is suffering with a glute problem and, as a consequence, didn’t travel with the 19-man squad to the Wirral.

That has prompted a recall for Ben Close, with Cameron McGeehan likely to be pushed a little further up the pitch to deputise for Cannon.

That is one of two changes as the Blues seek to claim a ninth consecutive victory, representing a club record since joining the Football League 99 years ago.

Ellis Harrison is also back in the side, rewarded for his impressive showing off the bench in last weekend’s 2-0 win over Sunderland.

He comes in for John Marquis, who drops to the bench after his recent spate of scoring.

Meanwhile, Gareth Evans returns among the substitutes, having been omitted from the last two squads.

There is no place for Reeco Hackett-Fairchild, who has travelled as 19th man, while Brandon Haunstrup, Paul Downing and Adam May have stayed at home.

In addition, Oli Hawkins is out with concussion, while Brett Pitman is training with Bournemouth under-23s.

Pompey: Bass, Bolton, Burgess, Raggett, Seddon, Close, Naylor, Williams, McGeehan, Curtis, Harrison.

Subs: MacGillivray, Brown, McCrorie, Whatmough, Evans, Harness, Marquis.