Blackpool v Portsmouth: team news, predicted starting XIs, first scorer, match odds and key stats

Pompey team news

Kenny Jackett has no new injury worries as his men take on Neil Critchley’s side.

Michael Jacobs is only player missing from the squad at Bloomfield Road, as the attacking midfielder closes in on a return to training from his knee issue.

Jackett will return to a full-strength side against the in-form Tangerines after making changes in the 6-1 FA Cup romp over King’s Lynn on Saturday.

That means Jack Whatmough is expected to replace Rasmus Nicolaisen and Andy Cannon come in for Ben Close.

Marcus Harness will be expected to return along with John Marquis, but Jackett will have to decide how he alternates his thriving attacking options to accommodate the pair.

Predicted line-up

Craig MacGillivray, Callum Johnson, Sean Raggett, Jack Whatmough, Lee Brown, Ryan Williams, Tom Naylor, Andy Cannon, Ronan Curtis, Marcus Harness, John Marquis.

Subs: Alex Bass, Haji Mnoga, Rasmus Nicolaisen, Cam Pring, Bryn Morris, Jordy Hiwula, Ellis Harrison.

Blackpool team news

Blackpool welcomed Luke Garbutt back into their squad for the 4-0 win over Harrogate Town on Saturday after missing nine games with a hamstring issue.

The former Everton man got 90 minutes under his belt without any problems as the Tangerines continued a decent run of six wins from seven games.

Midfielder Matty Virtue is also closing in on a return after being sidelined with a hamstring issue.

Midfielder MJ Williams is still out for Neil Critchley’s side with an elbow problem.

Ethan Robson, who was linked with Pompey in the summer has made 13 appearances for the side who sit 15th in the table, while another rumoured summer target, Ben Woodburn, is on loan from Liverpool.

Predicted line-up

Chris Maxwell, Ollie Turton, Marvin Ekpiteta, Daniel Gretarsson, Luke Garbutt, Chris Hamilton, Kenny Dougall, Ethan Robson, Sullay Kaikai, Gary Madine, Jerry Yates.

Subs: Jack Sims, James Husband, Demetri Mitchell, Dan Ballard, Grant Ward, Ben Woodburn, Keshi Anderson.

Match-day odds (Paddy Power)

Pompey: 7/5

1-0 15/2, 2-0 11/1, 2-1 8/1, 3-0 25/1, 3-1 14/1, 3-2 22/1

Blackpool: 15/8

1-0 8/1, 2-0 12/1, 2-1 9/1, 3-0 25/1, 3-1 25/1, 3-2 22/1

Draw: 9/4

0-0 17/2, 1-1 5/1, 2-2 11/1, 3-3 45/1

First scorer

John Marquis 4/1; Ronan Curtis 6/1; Ellis Harrison 11/2; Jordy Hiwula 6/1 Marcus Harness 5/1.

Referee:

Joshua Smith

Pompey stats

Top scorer: John Marquis (11)

Top assists: Marcus Harness and Ronan Curtis (both 6)

Most appearances: John Marquis (20)

Blackpool stats

Top scorer: Jerry Yates (five)

Most appearances: Chris Maxwell (18)

Most bookings: Marvin Ekpiteta (4)

Form guide

Pompey: P21 W11 D5 L5

Past five games

W 6-1 King’s Lynn (H) - FA Cup

D 1-1 Oxford (H) – League One

W 4-1 Crewe (H) – League One

D 2-2 Plymouth (A) – League One

L 1-0 West Ham under-21s (Papa John’s Trophy)

Blackpool stats: P21 W8 D4 L7

Past five games

W 4-1 Harrogate (A) – FA Cup

L 3-2 Doncaster (A) – League One

W 2-1 Peterborough (A) – League One

W 3-0 Leeds under-21 (H) - EFL Trophy

A 3-0 Eastbourne (A) – FA Cup

Other fixtures

TONIGHT (7PM UNLESS STATED): Crewe v Swindon, Lincoln v Wigan, Northampton v Fleetwood (7.45pm), Oxford v Ipswich, Plymouth v Rochdale (7.45pm), Sunderland v Burton. TOMORROW (7PM UNLESS STATED): AFC Wimbledon v Peterborough (6pm), Bristol Rovers v Gillingham, Charlton v MK Dons (7.45pm), Hull v Doncaster, Shrewsbury v Accrington