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

The weekend defeat proved a massive blow to the Blues’ hopes of returning to the automatic promotion spots – so they’ll be determined not to suffer a similar fate when the second-placed Imps turn up at Fratton Park.

Kenny Jackett’s side will take comfort from the fact they beat Michael Appleton’s side 3-1 at Sincil Bank earlier in the season.

They also recorded a league double over Lincoln last term.

However, the Imps are currently a different proposition, sustaining their promotion challenge against the odds, and Pompey will be wary of the threat they pose, particularly if key man Jorge Grant is up for the challenge.

Here’s all you need to know going into tonight’s game.

Pompey team news

Pompey have no fresh injury worries, with Paul Downing (hamstring) and Alex Bass (calf) the only two currently in the treatment room.

And that leaves manager Kenny Jackett with a welcome selection headache.

Realistically, Michael Jacobs for Ronan Curtis could be the only change to the starting XI that lost 4-0 to Hull last time out.

The problem, therefore, lies on the bench, with the manager having to choose carefully who to pick from.

Jordy Hiwula missed out altogether on Saturday – and that could be the case again tonight, with Charlie Daniels and George Byers both available for the Lincoln game.

Ben Close might also be overlooked, with fellow new arrival Harvey White expected to be involved.

James Bolton will be forced to sit this one out, too, after being named amongst the substitutes against Hull.

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, Charlie Daniels, Harvey White, George Byers, Ronan Curtis, Ellis Harrison.

Lincoln team news

Tonight’s game could come too soon for influential Imps centre-back Lewis Montsma.

The Dutch defender was one of the Lincoln players who test positive for Covid-19 recently.

He was expected to report back to training on Monday but manager Michael Appleton believes Saturday’s game against Doncaster is a more realistic target for the centre-half.

The imps are also monitoring Brennan Johnson who has a minor ankle injury, although he is expected to feature at Fratton Park.

Predicted line-up

Alex Palmer, Adam Jackson, Joe Walsh, Timothy Eyoma, Tayo Edun, Liam Bridcutt. Morgan Rogers, Jorge Grant, Anthony Scully, Tom Hopper, Brennan Johnson. Subs: Sam Long, Lewis Montsma, Max Melbourne, James Jones, Conor McGrandles, Harry Anderson. Ramirez Howarth

Match-day odds (bet365)

Pompey: 11/10

1-0 11/2, 2-0 17/2, 2-1 8/1, 3-0 18/1, 3-1 18/1, 3-2 33/1

Lincoln: 13/5

1-0 8/1, 2-0 16/1, 2-1 11/1, 3-0 40/1, 3-1 28/1, 3-2 40/1

Draw: 12/5

0-0 5/2, 1-1 11/2, 2-2 16/1, 3-3 50/1

First scorer: John Marquis 7/2, Ellis Harrison 6/1, Jordy Hiwula 6/1.

Referee

Sam Purkiss

Pompey stats

Top scorer: John Marquis (13)

Top assists: Ronan Curtis (8)

Most appearances: John Marquis (29)

Lincoln stats

Top scorer: Jorge Grant (11)

Top assists: Jorge Grant (9)

Most appearances: Jorge Grant (31)

Form guide

Pompey: P32 W16 D6 L9

Past five games

L 4-0 Hull City (H) – League One

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

Lincoln: P32 W20 D5 L7

Past five games

W 2-1 Northampton (H) – League One

W 4-0 Accrington (H) – Papa John’s Trophy

D 1-1 Peterborough (H) – League One

W 2-1 Wimbledon (A) – League One

W 5-1 Burton Albion (H) – League One

Other fixtures (7pm kick offs unless stated)

Accrington Stanley v Hull City (5.30pm), Doncaster Rovers v AFC Wimbledon, Fleetwood Town v Northampton Town (7.45pm), Gillingham v Crewe Alexandra (6pm), Ipswich Town v Sunderland (7.45pm), MK Dons v Charlton Athletic, Peterborough United v Bristol Rovers, Rochdale v Oxford United, Swindon Town v Plymouth Argyle, Wigan Athletic v Blackpool.

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