Portsmouth v Fleetwood: team news, predicted XIs, betting odds, key stats and more

A win or a draw against Joey Barton’s side could see the Blues move up into the automatic promotion places for the first time since February 2019.

But, of course, it all depends what happens between Blackpool v Hull and Lincoln v Shrewsbury, with both of those games kicking off at 7pm.

That possibility will provide Pompey with extra motivation heading in to the game.

Not that they need it, though, with Kenny Jackett and his side showing they’re up for the battle in recent months following a below-par start to the season.

Fleetwood will be no walkovers, though, with Barton’s side just three points outside the play-off places in ninth.

They spoiled the party last time at Fratton Park, with their draw before lockdown in March contributing to Pompey’s points-per-game total which saw them miss out on a top-two finish.

And they’ll be out to do the same tonight.

Here’s all you need to know ahead of kick-off.

Pompey team news

Pompey defender Lee Brown could be out until the new year following the hamstring injury he picked up in Saturday’s win at Ipswich.

The 30-year-old came off in the 59th-minute at Portman Road to be replaced by on-loan Bristol City left-back Cam Pring.

Initially, manager Kenny Jackett estimated a one-to-two-week absence, following a similar injury at the start of November.

However, a two-to-three-week timeframe has been placed on his return, ruling the 29-year-old out between now and the end of the year.

Pring will once again deputise in Brown’s absence, with the Blues having no other injury concerns ahead of the visit of Fleetwood.

Predicted line-up

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

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

Fleetwood team news

Fleetwood boss Joey Barton has no new injury worries going into the game at Fratton Park.

Joel Coleman remains unavailable, with the visitors likely to stick to the same squad which overcame Swindon on Saturday.

Barton may opt to freshen things up, with Glen Whelan, Ched Evans and Jordan Rossiter on the bench for the trip to the County Ground.

Saturday’s match-winner, Paddy Madden, moved level with David Ball as Fleetwood's record scorer in the Football League with 41 goals.

He’ll once again be part of the visitors’ attacking threat as they look to secure only their second-ever win at Fratton Park.

Predicted line-up

Jayson Leutwiler, Wes Burns, Charlie Mulgrew, Aaron Connolly, Danny Andrew, Sam Finley, Glen Whelan, Josh Morris, Callum Camps, Barrie McKay, Paddy Madden.

Subs not used: Alex Cairns, James Hill, Paul Coutts, Jordan Rossiter, Mark Duffy, Harvey Saunders, Ched Evans.

Match-day odds (bet365)

Pompey: 4/5

1-0 13/2, 2-0 8/1, 2-1 15/2, 3-0 14/1, 3-1 14/1, 3-2 25/1

Fleetwood: 10/3

1-0 11/1, 2-0 20/1, 2-1 12/1, 3-0 40/1, 3-1 33/1, 3-2 40/1

Draw: 11/4

0-0 10/1, 1-1 6/1, 2-2 14/1, 3-3 50/1

First goalscorer: John Marquis 10/3

Referee

Alan Young

Pompey stats

Top scorer: John Marquis (11)

Top assists: Ronan Curtis (7)

Most appearances: John Marquis (23)

Fleetwood stats

Top scorer: Callum Camps (10)

Top assists: Josh Morris and Ched Evans (both 4)

Most appearances: Ched Evans (23)

Form guide

Pompey: P25 W14 D5 L6

Past five games

W 2-0 Ipswich (A) – League One

W 3-0 Cheltenham (A) – Papa John’s Trophy

W 2-0 Peterborough (H) – League One

L 1-0 Blackpool (A) – League One

W 6-1 King’s Lynn (H) – FA Cup

Fleetwood: P25 W13 D3 L9

Past five games

W 1-0 Swindon (A) – League One

W 5-4 (penalties) Blackpool (H) – Papa John’s Trophy

L 1-0 Blackpool (H) – League One

L 1-0 Northampton (A) – League One

D 1-1 Sunderland (H) – League One

Other fixtures (all 7pm kick-offs unless stated)

Blackpool v Hull City, Charlton Athletic v Bristol Rovers (7.45pm), Crewe Alexandra v Plymouth Argyle, Doncaster Rovers v Swindon Town, Gillingham v Accrington Stanley (5.30pm), Ipswich Town v Burton Albion (7.45pm), Lincoln City v Shrewsbury Town, MK Dons v Peterborough United (7.45pm), Oxford United v Northampton Town (7.45pm), Sunderland v AFC Wimbledon, Wigan Athletic v Rochdale.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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