Portsmouth v Gillingham: team news, predicted XIs, referee, form guide and key stats

That Kassam Stadium win certainly lifted spirits and came at exactly the right moment – preventing any negativity from the Blackpool defeat just days earlier to fester.

Now the Blues are back at PO4, it’s vital Kenny Jackett’s side build on their U’s victory and not let it go to waste – they can ill-afford many more slip-ups at home.

Here’s all you need to know ahead of today’s game against Gillingham (3pm).

Pompey team news

Michael Jacobs has returned to training following a hamstring injury sustained in the 2-2 draw with Plymouth earlier this month.

The winger has subsequently missed Pompey’s past four games – and it appears that the visit of Gillingham to Fratton Park will be added to that list.

Today’s game is expected to come too soon for the 29-year-old, with Tuesday night’s trip to Doncaster Rovers a more likely target.

The Blues remain without James Bolton, Alex Bass and Paul Downing,

Predicted starting XI

Craig MacGillivray, Callum Johnson, Sean Raggett, Rasmus Nicolaisen, Lee Brown, Tom Naylor, Andy Cannon, Harvey White, Ronan Curtis, Ellis Harrison, Ryan Williams. Subs: Lewis Morgan, Jack Whatmough, Charlie Daniels, Marcus Harness, George Byers, Jordy Hiwula, John Marquis.

Gillingham team news

Steve Evans has threatened to ring the changes for Gillingham’s trip to Fratton Park.

The Gills boss was furious with his side’s defeat at the hands of Wimbledon on Tuesday night – and even had his players train on their day off on Wednesday.

A few home truths were subsequently told, with Evans stating that some of his players ‘aren’t good enough’.

Former Pompey loanee Stuart O’Keefe is likely to earn a recall, along with Jordan Graham.

Callum Slattery, who is currently on loan from Southampton, will miss out after suffering ankle ligament damage in Gillingham’s recent win against Bristol Rovers.

Predicted line-up

Jack Bonham, Ryan Jackson, Connor Ogilvie, Jack Tucker, Robbie Cundy, Stuart O’Keefe, Kyle Dempsey, Jordan Graham, Tom O’Connor, John Akinde, Vadaine Oliver. Subs: Sacha Bastien, Rob McKenzie, Jame Morton, Olly Lee, Matthew Willock, Alex MacDonald, Tyreke Johnson.

Match-day odds (bet365)

Pompey: 3/5

1-0 5/1, 2-0 6/1, 2-1 15/2, 3-0 11/1, 3-1 14/1, 3-2 28/1

Gillingham: 9/2

1-0 11/1, 2-0 25/1, 2-1 16/1, 3-0 50/1, 3-1 40/1, 3-2 40/1

Draw: 14/5

0-0 17/2, 1-1 13/2, 2-2 18/1, 3-3 66/1

First goalscorer: John Marquis (10/3), Ronan Curtis (5/1), Ellis Harrison (11/2)

Referee

Tim Robinson (Middleton-on-Sea)

Pompey stats

League position: 4th

Top scorer: John Marquis (14)

Top assists: Ronan Curtis, Marcus Harness and Ryan Williams (all with 8)

Most appearances: John Marquis (36)

Gillingham stats

League position: 15th

Top scorer: Vadaine Oliver (8)

Top assists: Vadaine Oliver and Jordan Graham (both 4)

Most appearances: John Akinde and Ryan Jackson (both 37)

Form guide

Pompey: P39 W21 D6 L12

Past five games

W 1-0 Oxford United – League One

L 1-0 Blackpool (H) – League One

L 3-1 Bristol Rovers (A) – League One

W 2-0 Swindon (H) – League One

D 2-2 Plymouth (H) – League One

Gillingham: P39 W15 D6 L18

Past five games

L 1-0 AFC Wimbledon (A) – League One

W 2-0 Bristol Rovers (H) – League One

L 3-1 Peterborough (H) – League One

W 3-2 Charlton (A) – League One

L 3-0 Lincoln (H) – League One

Other fixtures (3pm kick offs unless stated)

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