Portsmouth v Hull: early team news, predicted XIs, match odds, first goalscorer favourite, form guide and key stats

Grant McCann’s side will no doubt be out for revenge, with the Blues knocking them off top spot that day.

Since then, the visitors have overtaken Pompey (third) in the table and returned to the summit – but that could be expected with Kenny Jackett’s side only playing two League One matches since their visit the KCOM Stadium back on December 18.

Meanwhile, the Blues also have a match in hand on their rivals.

With a similar scenario on the cards again this time, it promises to be another intriguing battle.

So let us get you ready for the game with all the key information prior to kick-off (3pm).

Pompey team news

Pompey will name the same match-day squad which served manager Kenny Jackett well on Tuesday night against AFC Wimbledon.

No injuries were picked up in the game, allowing the manager to stick with the team that has beaten both the Dons and Fleetwod in consecutive matches.

His only dilemma is whether to keep faith in Michael Jacobs or hand a recall to Ronan Curtis, who was on the bench in midweek following his recovery from coronavirus.

Alex Bass (calf) and Paul Downing (hamstring) remain in the treatment room.

Predicted starting XI

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

Subs: Duncan Turnbull, Rasmus Nicolaisen, Ben Close, Harvey White, Ronan Curtis, Ellis Harrison, Jordy Hiwula.

Hull team news

Manager Grant McCann has no fresh injury worries following Hull’s 3-1 win at home to Accrington on Tuesday night.

However, Tom Eaves (calf) and Callum Jones (hamstring) remain on the sidelines.

Meanwhile, Norwegian playmaker Martin Samuelsen (calf) is also out, although he has been told he can return to his homeland this month.

McCann told Hull’s website: ‘’On the injury front, everyone has come through the (Accrington) game well.

‘Tom Eaves is still in a boot. Callum Jones and Martin Samuelsen are back on the grass after their injuries, but aside from that we’re looking good.’

Hull will welcome back defender Reece Burke following his one-match suspension for a red card against Blackpool.

Predicted line-up

George Long, Callum Elder, Reece Burke, Josh Emmanuel, Jacob Greaves, Richie Smallwood, George Honeyman, Gavin Whtye, Greg Docherty, Keane Lewis-Potter, Mallik Wilks. Subs: Matt Ingram, Lewie Coyle, Alfie Jones, Jordan Flores, Danny Crowley, Regan Slater, Josh Magennis.

Match-day odds (bet365)

Pompey: 7/5

1-0 7/1, 2-0 11/1, 2-1 17/2, 3-0 22/1, 3-1 18/1, 3-2 28/1

Hull: 15/8

1-0 8/1, 2-0 14/1, 2-1 10/1, 3-0 28/1, 3-1 22/1, 3-2 33/1

Draw: 12/5

0-0 9/1, 1-1 11/2, 2-2 14/1, 3-3 50/1

First scorer: John Marquis 15/1, Ronan Curtis 6/1, Ellis Harrison and Mallik Wilks both 13/2

Referee

Ben Toner

Pompey stats

Top scorer: John Marquis (13)

Top assists: Ronan Curtis (8)

Most appearances: John Marquis (28)

Hull stats

Top scorer: Mallik Wilks (12)

Top assists: George Honeyman (9)

Most appearances: Mallik Wilks (26)

Form guide

Pompey: P31 W16 D6 L8

Past five games

W 4-0 Wimbledon (H) – League One

W 1-0 Fleetwood (A) – League One

L 5-1 Peterborough (A) – Papa John’s Trophy

L 2-1 Bristol City (A) – FA Cup

W 2-0 Hull (A) – League One

Hull: P32 W17 D7 L8

Past five games

W 3-0 Accrington (H) – League One

D 1-1 Blackpool (H) – League One

W 3-2 Fleetwood (H) – Papa John’s Trophy

D 1-1 Sunderland (A) – League One

W 2-0 Charlton (H) – League One

Other fixtures (3pm kick offs unless stated)

Charlton Athletic v Swindon Town; Crewe Alexandra v AFC Wimbledon; Gillingham v Rochdale; Ipswich Town v Peterborough United; Lincoln City v Northampton Town, MK Dons v Plymouth Argyle; Oxford United v Bristol Rovers; Sunderland v Shrewsbury Town, Wigan Athletic v Fleetwood Town.