Portsmouth v Crewe: team news, predicted starting XIs, match odds and key stats

While the Blues have looked impressive on the road so far this term – acquiring 14 points from 18 available – they’ve looked less convincing at Fratton Park, suffering three defeats in six outings.

There’s a chance to reverse that trend as David Artell brings his newly-promoted troops to Fratton Park for the first time since March 2017.

Crewe will be no pushovers, though, if their recent form is anything to go by.

They beat Oxford last time out, while comfortably beat league-leaders Peterborough at the Alexandra Stadium last weekend.

The visitors are clearly a team in form – so Pompey will need to be at their best if they are to maintain their place in the top six and make inroads on the early divisional leaders.

Here’s all you need to know ahead of today’s game...

Pompey team news

Lee Brown has returned to training and will be in contention for a starting place against Crewe.

The left-back has missed Pompey’s past four games after suffering a hamstring problem in the warm-up ahead of the Lincoln game on November 3.

On-loan Bristol City defender Cam Pring has stepped up in the 30-year-old’s absence.

Brown’s potential return will no doubt give manager Kenny Jackett a welcome selection headache as he looks to end Crewe’s recent good form in the league.

Ryan Williams will also be available for the Fratton Park game, despite limping off late against the Pilgrims with a groin injury.

Meanwhile, both Ronan Curtis and Marcus Harness have returned from international duty with the Republic of Ireland.

Michael Jacobs remains absent, though, with a knee injury.

Predicted line-up

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

Subs: Alex Bass, Cam Pring, Rasmus Nicolaisen, Ben Close, Bryn Morris, Ellis Harrison, Jordy Hiwula.

Crewe team news

Crewe boss David Artell is expected to keep faith with the same match-day 18 that saw off Oxford and Peterborough in their past two games.

In what has been a superb week to date for Alex, they beat league leaders Posh 2-0 at the Alexandra Stadium on Saturday, before beating last term’s League One play-off finalists the U’s 2-0 at the Kassam Stadium in midweek.

Artell will also likely stick to the same starting XI therefore as Crewe, promoted from League Two last season, look to make it a hat-trick of wins against sides vying for the Championship last season.

Donervon Daniels is out for three months after he underwent surgery on a Grade 3 hamstring injury.

However, there’s better news regarding forward Chris Porter. He has commenced running again after injuring a quad in the warm-up ahead of Crewe’s game against Gillingham.

Predicted line-up

William Jaaskelainen, Perry Ng, Harry Pickering, Luke Offord, Omar Beckles, Ryan Wintle, Daniel Powell, Tom Lowery, Charlie Kirk, Oliver Finney, Mikael Mandron. Subs: Dave Richards, Oliver Lancashire, Travis Johnson, Callum Ainley, Luke Murphy, Offrande Zanzala, Owen Dale.

Match-day odds (bet365)

Pompey: 4/5

1-0 11/2, 2-0 7/1, 2-1 15/2, 3-0 12/1, 3-1 14/1, 3-2 28/1

Crewe: 7/2

1-0 10/1, 2-0 22/1, 2-1 14/1, 3-0 50/1, 3-1 40/1, 3-2 40/1

Draw: 11/4

0-0 17/2, 1-1 6/1, 2-2 16/1, 3-3 50/1

Pompey stats

Top scorer: John Marquis (10)

Top assists: Marcus Harness (5)

Most appearances: John Marquis (17)

Crewe stats

Top scorer: Mikael Mandron (7)

Top assists: Charlie Kirk and Callum Ainley (both 3)

Most appearances: Charlie Kirk, Harry Pickering, Ryan Wintle (all 16)

Form guide

Pompey: P18 W9 D4 L5

Past five games:

D 2-2 Plymouth (A) – League One

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

Crewe: P17 W8 D1 L8

Past five games:

W 2-0 Oxford (A) – League One

W 2-0 Peterborough (H) – League One

L 4-3 Shrewsbury (H) – League One

W 3-2 Bolton (A) – FA Cup

L 1-0 Gillingham (H) – League One

League One fixtures

Accrington Stanley v Lincoln City, Burton Albion v Northampton Town, Doncaster Rovers v Sunderland, Fleetwood Town v Plymouth Argyle, Gillingham v Charlton Athletic (1pm), Ipswich Town v Shrewsbury Town, MK Dons v Hull City, Peterborough United v Blackpool, Rochdale v AFC Wimbledon, Swindon Town v Bristol Rovers, Wigan Athletic v Oxford United.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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