Burton v Portsmouth - early team news

After coming off the bench to score in last week’s 2-1 loss to Wigan, Ellis Harrison will surely be in contention to start.

The striker impressed during his cameo and now appears fully match fit, having suffered a calf injury in pre-season.

Jackett has to weigh up whether to play Harrison as a lone striker or alongside John Marquis – which could mean a change of formation to 4-4-2.

There have been concerns how Tom Naylor and Bryn Morris have linked up in central midfield, with the Blues now in the market for a new recruit.

In the meantime, Ben Close or Andy Cannon could be deployed in the engine room in place of Morris.

There’s also a case for Lee Brown to come back into the starting XI. Pompey require leaders on the pitch if they’re to kickstart their campaign, which Brown provides.

New-boy Rasmus Nicolaisen will also be hoping for a debut in central defence.

Alex Bass is back fit having recovered from bone bruising on his right ankle that kept him out for more than a month. The keeper is set to replace Duncan Turnbull on the bench.

Meanwhile, Kieran O’Hara is back for the Brewers after serving a six-match suspension.

The goalkeeper was hit with a lengthy ban for violent conduct against Peterborough last season while on loan at the Pirelli Stadium.

O’Hara rejoined Burton last month after being released by Manchester United but has been forced to watch their subsequent four games from the sidelines.

John-Joe O’Toole will also be available for Jake Buxton’s side. He missed three matches through suspension after being handed a straight red card on the opening day of the League One season – a 2-1 loss at Fleetwood.

Meanwhile, Charles Vernam is back fit, after just missing out on Burton's 4-2 defeat at Swindon last weekend.

Michael Bostwick and Reece Hutchinson have been ruled out.

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