Bristol City v Portsmouth: early team news, predicted XIs, match odds, first goal scorer, form guide

An outbreak of Covid-19 cases and a frozen pitch at Accrington has meant Kenny Jackett and his side have had an enforced break over Christmas and new year.

So the Blues be delighted to get back into the thick of things and be given the chance to build on the momentum they had prior to their unexpected lay-off.

Pompey had won four and drawn one of their five games prior to Christmas – form that saw them climb to the top of League One.

Unfortunately, today’s game will not provide them the opportunity to reassert their influence on the third tier.

Nevertheless, cup runs have always been important to Jackett since taking over the reigns at Fratton Park – and he’ll be keen to get one over a Bristol City side currently out of sorts and struggling with injuries.

Here’s all you need to know ahead of today’s Ashton Gate game (kick-off 1.30pm).

Bristol City team news

Former Pompey loanee Cameron Pring is cup-tied having featured for the Blues in previous round of this year’s competition.

He will have to look on from the stands, along with Jamie Paterson, Joe Williams, Liam Walsh, Jay Dasilva, Callum O’Dowda, Jack Hunt and Andreas Weimann who are all injured for the hosts.

However, the Robins will be boosted by news that central-defender Alfie Mowson is back in full training after a knee injury.

Nathan Baker has also been involved in preparations ahead of the visit of Pompey following a hamstring injury.

Meanwhile, Hakeeb Adelakun and Owura Edwards could both feature are they returned from loans spells at Hull and Grimsby respectively.

Predicted line-up

Daniel Bentley, Adrian Marriapa, Tomas Kalas, Zak Vyner, Adam Nagy, Tommy Rowe, Tyreeq Bakinson, Han-Noah Massengo, Chris Martin, Antoine Semenyo, Nahki Wells. Subs: Max O’Leary, Alfie Mawson, Taylor Moore, Nathan Baker, Hakeeb Adelakun, Famara Diedhiou, Owura Edwards.

Pompey team news

Lee Brown will be involved against Bristol City following his hamstring injury.

The vice-skipper has missed Pompey’s past two matches after sustaining his setback at Ipswich on December 12 but will return following Cam Pring’s Bristol City recall.

Boss Kenny Jackett goes into the game with a clean bill of health to select from.

The five players who tested positive for coronavirus – one being Jack Whatmough – are over their problems and the Blues have no further cases.

Rasmus Nicolaisen replaced Whatmough at Hull but the academy graduate is challenging to regain his starting spot in central defence alongside Sean Raggett.

Jordy Hiwula is expected to feature after extending his Fratton Park contract until the end of the season.

Predicted line-up

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

Subs: Alex Bass, Rasmus Nicolaisen, Paul Downing, Ben Close, Michael Jacobs, Ellis Harrison, Jordy Hiwula.

Match-day odds (bet365)

Bristol City: 7/5

1-0 13/2, 2-0 10/1, 2-1 17/2, 3-0 22/1, 3-1 20/1, 3-2 33/1

Pompey: 15/8

1-0 15/2, 2-0 12/1, 2-1 10/1, 3-0 28/1, 3-1 22/1, 3-2 33/1

Draw: 12/5

0-0 8/1, 1-1 11/2, 2-2 14/1, 3-3 50/1

First scorer: John Marquis 9//2; Nahki Wells 5/1

Referee

Jarred Gillett

Bristol City stats

Top scorer: Nahki Wells (5)

Top assists: Antoine Semenyo (2)

Most appearances: Zak Vyner and Chris Martin (both 24)

Pompey stats

Top scorer: John Marquis (11)

Top assists: Ronan Curtis (7)

Most appearances: John Marquis (25)

Form guide

Bristol City: P25 W12 D3 L10

Past five games

L 2-1 Luton (A) Championship

W 2-1 Wycombe (H) Championship

L 1-0 Preston (A) Championship

L 2-0 Millwall (H) Championship

L 2-0 Rotherham (A) Championship

Pompey: P27 W14 D6 L6

Past five games

W 2-0 Hull (A) – League One

D 0-0 Fleetwood (H) – League One

W 2-0 Ipswich (A) – League One

W 3-0 Cheltenham (A) – Papa John’s Trophy

W 2-0 Peterborough (H) – League One

L 1-0 Blackpool (A) – League One

Other fixtures

Sunday (1.30pm kick offs unless stated)

Barnsley v Tranmere Rovers, Chelsea v Morecambe, Cheltenham Town v Mansfield Town, Crawley Town v Leeds United, Manchester City v Birmingham City, Marine v Spurs (5pm), Newport County v Brighton (7.45pm).