Portsmouth v King's Lynn Town: team news, predicted starting XIs, first scorer, match odds and key stats

The Blues will see it as a great chance to make it into the third round of the competition and the chance to be paired against one of the Premier League’s so-called big boys.

But they’ll also be wary of the threat Ian Culverhouse’s side pose and the risk of being the victim of one of the competition’s famous giant-killings.

It’s geared up to be another intriguing battle, so here’s all you need to know ahead of this afternoon’s game (3pm)...

Pompey team news

Pompey boss Kenny Jackett has admitted he’ll keep changes to a minimum for the visit of King’s Lynn.

According to the manager, one or two will be handed ‘a breather’ as he intends to keep strong for the National League side’s trip to Fratton Park.

That could see the likes of Jack Whatmough and Lee Brown rested, with both just back from injury.

The energetic Andy Cannon might also be in contention to sit the game out, alongside Marcus Harness.

Michael Jacobs remains sidelined with a knee injury he picked up against Sunderland last month.

Predicted line-up

Craig MacGillivray, Callum Johnson, Sean Raggett, Rasmus Nicolaisen, Cam Pring, Ryan Williams, Tom Naylor, Bryn Morris, Ronan Curtis, John Marquis, Ellis Harrison.

Subs: Alex Bass, Haji Mnoga, Jack Whatmough, Ben Close, Andy Cannon, Marcus Harness, Jordy Hiwula.

King’s Lynn team news

Defender Kyle Callan-McFadden is likely to start again after his recent arrival from League of Ireland side Sligo Rovers.

Meanwhile, fellow defender Danny Lupano has departed the club following the end of his loan spell from Hull.

The visitors are hopeful both Aaron Jones and Jordan Richards (both knee) will be available

Simon Power was named on the bench for the 2-0 win against Dover following a hamstring and could start.

Finally, Michael Gash should be among manager Ian Culverhouse’s substitutes following a summer illness.

Predicted line-up

Archie Mair, Aaron Jones, Ross Barrows, Alex Brown, Kyle Callan-McFadden, Rory McAuley, Chris Smith, Michael Clunan, Simon Power, Jordan Richards, Adam Marriott.

Subs: Alex Street, Sonny Carey, Dave Southwell, Ryan Jarvis, Sam Kelly, Jamar Loza, Michael Gash.

Match-day odds (bet365)

Pompey: 1/4

1-0 6/1, 2-0 11/2, 2-1 7/1, 3-0 7/1, 3-1 10/1, 3-2 22/1

King’s Lynn: 8/1

1-0 22/1, 2-0 50/1, 2-1 25/1, 3-0 125/1, 3-1 66/1, 3-2 50/1

Draw: 11/2

0-0 16/1, 1-1 12/1, 2-2 25/1, 3-3 80/1

First scorer

John Marquis 12/5; Ronan Curtis 4/1; Ellis Harrison 9/2; Jordy Hiwula and Marcus Harness 5/1.

Referee

TBC

Pompey stats

Top scorer: John Marquis (11)

Top assists: Marcus Harness and Ronan Curtis (both 5)

Most appearances: John Marquis (19)

King’s Lynn stats

Top scorer: Jamar Loza, Adam Marriott (both 4)

Most appearances: Alex Brown (11)

Most bookings: Rory McAuley (4)

Form guide

Pompey: P20 W10 D5 L5

Past five games

D 1-1 Oxford (H) – League One

W 4-1 Crewe (H) – League One

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)

King’s Lynn stats: P11 W5 D1 L5

Past five games

W 2-0 Dover (H) – National League

W 2-0 Barnet (A) – National League

L 5-1 Sutton United (A) – National League

W 1-0 Port Vale (A) – FA Cup

W 3-2 Woking (H) – National League

FA Cup fixtures

Saturday (3pm kick-off unless stated)

Bradford City v OldhamAthletic, Cheltenham Town v Crewe Alexandra, Gillingham v Exeter City (1pm), Harrogate Town v Blackpool, Morecambe v Solihull Moors (12.30pm), Newport County v Salford City (1pm), Peterborough United v Chorley (5.30pm), Plymouth Argyle v Lincoln City.

Sunday (1.30pm kick-off unless stated)

Barnet v MK Dons, Bristol Rovers v Darlington, Carlisle United v Doncaster Rovers, Mansfield Town v Dagenham & Redbridge, Marine v Hawks (2.45pm), Shrewsbury Town v Oxford City, Stevenage v Hull City, Stockport County v Yeovil Town.

Monday

Canvey Island v Boreham Wood (7.45pm).