Plymouth v Portsmouth: team news, predicted line-ups, match odds, key stats and more

Pompey head to Plymouth tonight as they renew acquaintances with the Pillgrims at Home Park.
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More than a year-and-a-half has passed since their last meeting in February 2019 – a game which ended in a 1-1 draw.

Both teams have undergone major changes since then, with six players who started the game for Kenny Jackett’s side that day no longer at the club.

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However, games from the past will be far from both camps’ mind as a win could propel either side into the play-off spots.

Pompey currently sit seventh on 20 points and could move up to third with a victory at Home Park.

Meanwhile, the ninth-placed hosts could leapfrog the Blues into sixth if they pick up a win.

Here’s all you need to know about the game (7.45pm kick off)

Plymouth team news

Ben Close scores for Pompey on their last visit to Home ParkBen Close scores for Pompey on their last visit to Home Park
Ben Close scores for Pompey on their last visit to Home Park
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Plymouth boss Ryan Lowe will be without top scorer Luke Jephcott for the visit of Pompey, with the midfielder currently with the Wales under-21 squad.

Defender Gary Sawyer remains absent as he recovers from an ankle operation – but he’s returned to training and will come into contention in the coming weeks.

The Pilgirms received good news regarding Lewis McLeod, after the midfielder returned a negative Covid-19 test.

He had been forced to stay away under government guidelines, but will not be ready to take on the Blues, which will delay his return from a knee injury further.

Predicted line-up

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Michael Cooper, Kelland Watts, Will Aimson, Jerome Opoku, Joe Edwards, Danny Mayor, Tyrese Fornah, Conor Grant, Ryan Hardie, Byron Moore, Panutche Camara.

Subs: John Jack Ruddy, Niall Canavan, Ben Reeves, George Cooper, Frank Nouble, Dominic Telford, Timmy Abraham,

Pompey team news

Pompey will be without Ronan Curtis for the trip to Home Park.

He’s currently on international duty with the Republic of Ireland but will be available for the game against Crewe on Saturday.

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Also out is Michael Jacobs (knee), while the game will come too soon for Jack Whatmough (hamstring).

However, he too should be available for the visit of the Railwaymen.

Andy Cannon should recover from the minor groin injury he suffered against Ipswich, while the Tom Naylor and Sean Raggett are in contention again after missing training at the end of the week because of knocks.

Predicted line-up

Craig MacGillivray, Callum Johnson, Sean Raggett. Rasmus Nicolaisen, Cam Pring, Ben Close, Tom Naylor, Marcus Harness, Andy Cannon, Ryan Williams, John Marquis.

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Subs: Alex Bass, Haji Mnoga, Paul Downing, Harvey Rew, Bryn Morris, Ellis Harrison, Jordy Hiwula.

Referee

Charles Breakspear

Match-day odds (bet365)

Plymouth: 13/5

1-0 12/1, 2-0 20/1, 2-1 11/1, 3-0 40/1, 3-1 25/1, 3-2 28/1

Pompey: 1/1

1-0 8/1, 2-0 9/1, 2-1 15/2, 3-0 16/1, 3-1 14/1, 3-2 22/1

Draw: 13/5

0-0 12/1, 1-1 6/1, 2-2 12/1, 3-3 40/1

Plymouth stats

Top scorer: Luke Jephcott (5)

Top assists: Conor Grant (3)

Most appearances: Michael Cooper, Kelland Watts, Danny Mayor (all 13)

Pompey stats

Top scorer: John Marquis (9)

Top assists: Marcus Harness (5)

Most appearances: John Marquis and Ronan Curtis (16)

Form guide

Plymouth: P16 W8 D3 L5

Past five games:

W 3-1 Newport (H) – Papa John’s Trophy

W 1-0 Charlton (A) – FA Cup

W 4-2 Swindon (H) – League One

W 2-1 Doncaster Rovers (H) – League One

D 1-1 Wigan (A) – League One

Pompey: P17 W9 D3 L5

Past five games:

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

W 3-2 Ipswich (A) – FA Cup (after extra time)

W 3-1 Lincoln (A) League One

L 2-0 Charlton (H) League One

W 4-0 Northampton (H) League One

Latest League One results

Bristol Rovers 1-4 Fleetwood Town, Crewe Alexandra 2-0 Peterborough United, Hull City 2-0 Burton Albion, Northampton Town 0-1 Accrington Stanley, Shrewsbury Town 3-3 Swindon Town, Sunderland 1-2 MK Dons.

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