Burton v Portsmouth: team news, predicted line-ups, form guide and big-match odds

The pressure is on under-fire Kenny Jackett to deliver after a lacklustre start to the campaign.

The Blues have collected just two points in their opening three league games and languish in the relegation zone.

The trip to the Pirelli Stadium is the start of a huge month for Pompey, with eight games throughout October.

Here’s all the key information you need to know ahead of today’s meeting...

Burton team news

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 suspenion 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 closing in on his return from injury, after just missing out on Burton's 4-2 defeat at Swindon last weekend.

Michael Bostwick, Neal Eardley and Reece Hutchinson are all doubts.

Predicted starting XI

Kieran O’Hara, Kieran Wallace, John-Joe O’Toole, John Brayford, Ben Fox, Joe Powell, Ryan Edwards, Stephen Quinn, Colin Daniel, Lucas Akins, Kane Hemmings.

Subs: Ben Garratt, Ben Hart, Owen Gallacher, Ciran Gilligan, Jack Roles, Charles Vernam, Indiana Vassilev

Pompey team news

Under-fire Kenny Jackett is expected to make changes as Pompey aim for a first league victory of the season.

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 problem 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’s kept him out for more than a month.

Predicted starting XI

Craig MacGillivray, Callum Johnson, Jack Whatmough, Sean Raggett, Lee Brown, Tom Naylor, Ben Close, Marcus Harness, Michael Jacobs, Ronan Curtis, Ellis Harrison.

Subs: Alex Bass, Rasmus Nicolaisen, Cameron Pring, Andy Cannon, Bryn Morris, Ryan Williams, John Marquis.

Match-day odds (Bet365)

Burton: 11/5

1-0;17/2, 2-0; 14/1, 2-1; 10/1, 3-0; 33/1, 3-1; 25/1, 3-2; 33-1

Pompey: 6/5

1-0; 7/1, 2-0; 10/1, 2-1; 8/1, 3-0; 20/1, 3-1; 18/1, 3-2; 18/1

Draw: 12/5

0-0; 9/1, 1-1; 11/2, 2-2; 14/1, 3-3; 50/1

Referee

Tom Neild (West Yorkshire)

Pompey stats

Top scorer: Marcus Harness (2)

Most assists: Ronan Curtis (2)

Most shots: Ronan Curtis (20)

Burton stats

Top scorer: Joe Powell (3)

Most assists: Joe Powell (2)

Most shots: Lucas Akins (8)

Form guide

Pompey

P6 W2 D3 L2

Past five games

L 2-1 Wigan (H) – League One

D 0-0 Rochdale (A) – League One

L 4-0 Brighton (A) – Carabao Cup

D 0-0 Shrewsbury (H) – League One

W 2-0 Colchester (H) – EFL Trophy

Burton

P6 W1 D2 L3

Past five games

L 4-2 Swindon (A) – League One

W 2-1 Accringon (H) – League One

L 3-1 Aston Villa (H) – Carabao Cup

L 2-1 Fleetwood (A) – League One

D 3-3 Peterborough (A) – EFL Trophy

Other games (all 3pm kick-offs)

AFC Wimbledon v Accrington Stanley, Blackpool v Lincoln City, Bristol Rovers v Northampton Town, Charlton Athletic v Sunderland, Hull City v Plymouth Argyle, MK Dons v Ipswich Town, Oxford United v Crewe Alexandra, Peterborough United v Swindon Town, Rochdale v Fleetwood Town, Shrewsbury Town v Gillingham, Wigan Athletic v Doncaster Rovers.