Portsmouth v MK Dons: team news, predicted line-ups, form guide and big-match odds

Pompey welcome MK Dons to Fratton Park in League One this afternoon (3pm).
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After recording their first league win of the season last weekend – a 4-2 success Burton – the Blues will be looking to now record a maiden home success in the third tier.

Here’s all the key information you need to know heading into the clash...

Pompey team news

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Pompey boss Kenny Jackett has no new injury worries ahead of Saturday’s visit of MK Dons.

Skipper Tom Naylor picked up a knock on his ankle during last weekend’s 4-2 win at Burton, but has recovered and is back training.

Jackett is likely to stick with the same starting XI that beat Albion last time out in the league.

However, Ronan Curtis is giving him a selection headache following his double against Southend in midweek.

Tom Naylor congratulates team-mate Marcus Harness at Burton last Saturday.  Picture: Daniel Chesterton/phcimages.comTom Naylor congratulates team-mate Marcus Harness at Burton last Saturday.  Picture: Daniel Chesterton/phcimages.com
Tom Naylor congratulates team-mate Marcus Harness at Burton last Saturday. Picture: Daniel Chesterton/phcimages.com
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Meanwhile, Rasmus Nicoliasen is putting pressure on fellow centre-half Sean Raggett following his debut appearance against the Shrimpers on Tuesday night.

Predicted starting XI

Craig MacGillivray, Callum Johnson, Jack Whatmough, Sean Raggett, Lee Brown, Tom Naylor, Bryn Morris, Ryan Williams, Marcus Harness, Michael Jacobs, Ellis Harrison. Subs: Alex Bass, Rasmus Nicoliasen, Cameron Pring, Ben Close, Andy Cannon, Ronan Curtis, John Marquis.

MK Dons team news

MK Dons boss Russell Martin will have to re-shuffle his pack for Saturday's trip to Fratton Park.

Defenders Daniel Harvie and Regan Poole are both away on international duty with the under-21 sides of Scotland and Wales respectively and will not be part of the match-day squad.

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Warren O'Hora suffered concussion in midweek as the Dons beat Stevenage 3-2 in the EFL Trophy and is ruled out of today’s game.

He joins Ben Gladwin and Kieran Agard on the injury list. It remains to be seen whether either will be available for the trip to the south coast.

Sam Nombe limped out of the win over Stevenage but is set to travel to the south coast.

On-loan Norwich midfielder Louis Thompson is pressing to start after he played 66 minutes at the Lamex Stadium following an injury.

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Martin also has to consider whether to stick with youngster Jay Bird up front, after he netted two on his debut against Stevenage.

Predicted starting XI

Lee Nicholls, George Williams, Dean Lewington, Richard Keogh, David Kasumu, Carlton Morris, Scott Fraser, Lassie Sorensen, Joe Mason, Baily Cargill, Callum Brittain. Subs: Laurie Walker, Matthew Sorinola, Jordan Houghton, Louis Thompson, John Freeman, Jay Bird, Sam Nombe.

Match-day odds (Bet365)

Pompey: 13/12

1-0: 13/2, 2-0: 7/1, 2-1: 15/2, 3-0: 12/1, 3-1: 12/1, 3-2: 25/1.

MK Dons: 9/2

1-0: 14/1, 2-0: 25/1, 2-1: 16/1, 3-0: 50/1, 3-1: 40/1, 3-2: 40/1

Draw: 13/5

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

Referee

Lee Swabey (Devon)

Pompey stats

Top scorer: Marcus Harness (5)

Most assists: Ronan Curtis (3)

Most shots: Ronan Curtis (32)

MK Dons stats

Top scorer: Jay Bird (2)

Most assists: John Freeman and Callum Brittain (both 2)

Most shots: Carlton Morris (10)

Form guide

Pompey

P8 W4 D2 L2

Past five games

W 3-0 Southend (A) – EFL Trophy

W 4-2 Burton (A) – League One

L 2-1 Wigan (H) – League One

D 0-0 Rochdale (A) – League One

L 4-0 Brighton (A) – Carabao Cup

MK Dons

P7 W2 D2 L3

Past five games

W 3-2 Stevenage (A) – EFL Trophy

D 1-1 Ipswich (H) – League One

L 2-0 Crewe (A) – League One

L 2-1 Lincoln (H) – League One

D 1-1 Doncaster Rovers (A) – League One

Other games (all 3pm kick-offs)

Tonight (7.45pm)

Fleetwood v Hull.

Saturday (3pm unless stated)

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Accrington Stanley v Rochdale, Blackpool v Ipswich Town, Crewe Alexandra v Wigan Athletic, Gillingham v Oxford United (1pm), Lincoln City v Bristol Rovers, Northampton Town v Peterborough United, Plymouth Argyle v Burton Albion, Swindon Town v AFC Wimbledon.

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