Portsmouth v Exeter: team news. match odds, key stats and form guides ahead of Fratton Park fixture

Pompey play host to League Two Exeter tonight in the semi-final of the EFL Trophy.
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Here’s all you need to know about the game at Fratton Park (7.45pm).

Pompey team news

Pompey are expected to make several changes to their line-up for the game against Exeter.

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But with another possible trip to Wembley just 90 minutes away, manager Kenny Jackett will be keen to keep his side strong.

Both full-back positions could see alterations, with Ross McCrorie and Lee Brown coming in for James Bolton and Steve Seddon respectively.

Jack Whatmough could also come into the centre of defence.

Ronan Curtis is expected to be rested, giving Reeco Hackett-Fairchild a chance to impress on the left-wing.

Pompey defenders Lee Brown and Jack Whatmough could feature against Exeter.  Picture: Kieran CleevesPompey defenders Lee Brown and Jack Whatmough could feature against Exeter.  Picture: Kieran Cleeves
Pompey defenders Lee Brown and Jack Whatmough could feature against Exeter. Picture: Kieran Cleeves

Meanwhile, Craig MacGillivray could be recalled to feature in goal for the Blues, after he played in the quarter-final win against Scunthorpe.

Exeter City team news

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The Grecians await news on defender Tom Parkes, who missed Saturday’s win at Macclesfield because of illness.

He was replaced by Dean Moxey for the game at Moss Rose but could return for the trip to Fratton Park.

Brennan Dickenson was also named in the starting XI against the Silkmen, but Jayden Richardson could return to the side.

Jake Taylor is also in contention to start as the visitors look for a greater physical presence in midfield.

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Influential midfielder Nicky Law has missed the past two games following a clash of heads in Exeter’s 2-1 win against Stevenage on February 8.

Match Odds (Ladbrokes)Pompey: 2/3 1-0 11/2, 2-0 13/2, 2-1 7/1, 3-0 11/1, 3-1 12/1, 3-2 25/1.

Exeter: 21/5 1-0 12/1, 2-0 28/1, 2-1 14/1, 3-0 80/1, 3-1 45/1, 3-2 45/1. Draw: 27/100-0 9/1, 1-1 6/1, 2-2 14/1, 3-3 66/1. Referee Craig Hicks (Surrey)Head to Head

Pompey

P43 W26 D9 L8

Top scorer Ronan Curtis (13)

Most appearances: Ben Close and John Marquis (both 39)

Most assists: Ronan Curtis (10)

ExeterP44 W24 D13 L7

Top scorer: Ryan Bowman (13)

Most appearances: Pierce Sweeney (41)

Most assists: Randell Williams (12)

Form Guide

Pompey

W 2-0 (H) Shrewsbury League One

L 1-0 (A) Coventry League One

W 2-0 (A) Tranmere League One

W 2-0 (H) Sunderland League One

W 2-0 (A) Lincoln League One

Exeter

W 3-2 (A) Macclesfield League Two

W 5-1 (H) Oldham League Two

W 2-1 (H) Stevenage League Two

L 2-1 (A) Swindon League Two

L 3-1 (A) Port Vale League Two

Other Fixtures

Tonight

League One: Oxford United v AFC Wimbledon, Southend United v Gillingham (both 7.45pm)

Tomorrow

EFL Trophy: Newport County v Salford City (7.45pm).

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