Bolton v Portsmouth: team news, likely line-ups, form guide and big-match odds

Pompey aim to continue their League One promotion charge at basement-side Bolton today.
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Here’s all the key information you need to know ahead of the clash (3pm kick-off).

Bolton team news

Jason Lowe is back for the League One strugglers following a three-match suspension.

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The midfielder received a red card against Shrewsbury last month but is set to go straight back into the Trotters’ starting line-up.

Manager Keith Hill will, however, be without Yoan Zouma after he limped out of Bolton’s 5-1 loss to Lincoln on Tuesday with a hamstring injury.

Bolton signed Brandon Fleming on loan from Hull City yesterday and he’s expected to started at left-back following the departures of Adam Chicksen and Josh Earl.

Likely line-up

Ryan Williams in action against Bolton at Fratton Park. Picture: Joe PeplerRyan Williams in action against Bolton at Fratton Park. Picture: Joe Pepler
Ryan Williams in action against Bolton at Fratton Park. Picture: Joe Pepler

Remi Matthews, Josh Emmanuel, Aristote Nsiala, Liam Edwards, Brandon Fleming, Jason Lowe, Luke Murphy, Ronan Darcy, Joe Dodoo, Daryl Murphy, Dennis Politic. Subs: Matthew Alexander, Harry Brockbank, Adam Senior, Ethan Hamilton, Sonny Graham, Chris O'Grady, Muhammadu Faal.

Pompey team news

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Kenny Jackett has to decide whether to recall Brett Pitman back into his squad at the University of Bolton Stadium.

The former skipper was omitted for last week’s EFL Trophy win at Walsall before missing the 2-1 victory over AFC Wimbledon due to illness.

Pitman, who’s been linked with Swindon and Plymouth, is now recovered and challenging for a spot against the Trotters.

Ryan Williams is also in the frame to be involved after missing the past five games with a groin problem.

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Jack Whatmough featured for 90 minutes in the reserves’ 1-1 draw at Plymouth on Tuesday following his long-term knee injury and is again likely to be on the bench.

Ross McCrorie will return to Fratton Park next week having undergone rehab for his hamstring complaint with parent-club Rangers, while Lee Brown (Achilles) remains on the treatment table.

Likely line-up

Alex Bass, James Bolton, Christian Burgess, Sean Raggett, Steve Seddon, Tom Naylor, Cameron McGeehan, Marcus Harness, Andy Cannon, Ronan Curtis, Ellis Harrison. Subs: Craig MacGillivray, Jack Whatmough, Brandon Haunstrup, Ben Close, Gareth Evans, John Marquis, Oli Hawkins.

Match odds

Bolton: 17/4

1-0 12/1, 2-0 28/1, 2-1 14/1, 3-0 80/1, 3-1 45/1, 3-2 45/1

Pompey: 8/13

1-0 11/2, 2-0 13/2, 2-1 13/2, 3-0 1/1, 3-1 11/1, 3-2 22/1

Draw: 14/5

0-0 10/1, 1-1 6/1, 2-2 14/1, 3-3 66/1

Referee

Tom Nield (Yorkshire)

Head to head

Bolton

P29 W5 D9 L15

Top scorer: Daryl Murphy (7)

Most appearances: Remi Matthews (28)

Most assists: Joe Dodoo (3)

Pompey

P35 W19 D9 L7

Top scorer: Ronan Curtis (11)

Most appearances: Ben Close (32)

Most assists: Ryan Williams (6)

Form guide

Bolton

L 5-1 (A) Lincoln League One

L 2-1 (A) Rochdale League One

L 4-3 (H) Burton League One

D 1-1 Shrewsbury (H) League One

D 0-0 Sunderland (A) League One

Pompey

W 2-1 (H) AFC Wimbledon League One

W 2-1 (A) Fleetwood FA Cup

D 1-1 (A) Gillingham League One

L 3-1 (A) MK Dons League One

W 2-0 (H) Wycombe League One

Other fixtures (all 3pm kick-offs)

Accrington v Southend, AFC Wimbledon v Peterborough, Doncaster v Coventry, Fleetwood v Shrewsbury, Gillingham v Oxford United, Lincoln v Blackpool, MK Dons v Sunderland, Rotherham v Bristol Rovers, Tranmere v Ipswich Town, Wycombe v Rochdale.

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