Portsmouth v MK Dons: what’s been said, team news, predicted XI, form guide, key stats and officials

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of kick-off (3pm).

What's been said

Danny Cowley

'I think it (the MK Dons game) is really important because it's the next one and the next one is always the most important.

'We had a really good performance on Tuesday night - three goals, a clean sheet and a lot of really good individual performances, particularly from some of the boys who have been on the edge of the team, which is good in terms of competition for the team, which drives standards.

'There's a lot to be positive for - we've got some games in hand, we've close to the play-offs, and we're still in two cup competitions going into January.'

Dean Lewington

It’s been a difficult year after losing 14 players in the summer.

‘Some of the players who we have brought in have not worked out yet for whatever reason and players have not hit the levels they should be.

‘It’s hugely frustrating. The gaffer has had to be held to account for that but as a whole club, we have to take responsibility – we have to take our equal share of the blame and try to be better.’

Team news

Pompey

Zak Swanson returned to training on the grass on Thursday as he stepped up his recovery from a stomach muscle injury.

He’s missed the Blues’ past two games and could feature against the Dons.

All those who featured in the midweek Papa John’s Trophy win against Stevenage came through unscathed, meaning Danny Cowley has no further injury worries.

That just leaves Louis Thompson, Tom Lowery and Joe Rafferty on the injured list. However, both Thompson and Lowery are closing in on returns over the festive period, while Rafferty returned to training on the grass on Thursday for the first time following surgery.

Predicted XI: Josh Griffiths, Sean Raggett, Clark Robertson, Connor Ogilvie, Owen Dale, Marlon Pack, Joe Morrell, Denver Hume, Reeco Hackett, Colby Bishop, Dane Scarlett.

MK Dons

The struggling Dons will be without temporary player/manager Dean Lewington for the League One trip to Fratton Park.

He requires surgery on a hamstring injury picked up against Barnsley last month.

The experienced defender was expected to go under the knife on Tuesday but had to delay it after being asked to take charge of the first-team following the sacking on Liam Manning.

Darragh Burns, who scored in MK’s FA Cup second-round defeat at the hands of Pompey is also out injured.

Predicted XI: JamieCumming, Jack Tucker, Matt Smith, Ethan Robson, Mo Eisa, Daniel Oyegoke, Bradley Johnson, Louie Barry, Henry Lawrence, Dawson Devoy, Zak Jules.

Matchday odds (Bet365)

Pompey: 23/10

1-0 6/1, 2-0 8/1, 2-1 15/2, 3-0 16/1, 3-1 14/1, 3-2 25/1

MK Dons: 16/5

1-0 10/1, 2-0 20/1, 2-1 12/1, 3-0 40/1, 3-1 33/1, 3-2 40/1.

Draw: 5/2

0-0 17/2, 1-1 11/2, 2-2 14/1, 3-3 50/1.

Officials

Referee: Samuel Barrott

Assistants: Justin Amey & Kevin Morris

Fourth official: Scott Williams

Key stats (all competitions)

Pompey

Record this season: P27 W13 D10 L4

League Position: 8th

Top goalscorer: Colby Bishop (13)

Most Assists: Owen Dale (4)

Discipline: 38 yellows cards, 1 red card

MK Dons

Record this season: P25 W8 D3 L14

League Position: 23rd

Top goalscorer: Will Grigg (6)

Most Assists: Dawson Devoy (7)

Discipline: 41 yellows cards, 1 red card

Form guide

Pompey

W 3-0 Stevenage (H) – EFL Trophy

L 2-0 Wycombe (A) – League One

W 3-2 MK Dons (H) – FA Cup

W 2-0 Ipswich (A) – EFL Trophy

D 0-0 Derby (H) – League One

MK Dons

L 4-1 Bristol Rovers (A) – EFL Trophy

L 2-1 Fleetwood (H) – League One

D 1-1 Burton (H) – League One

L 3-2 Pompey (A) – FA Cup

W 3-1 Newport (H) – EFL Trophy

Other fixtures (3pm kick-off unless stated)

Barnsley v Burton Albion, Bolton Wanderers v Exeter City, Charlton Athletic v Bristol Rovers, Cheltenham Town v Lincoln City, Derby County v Forest Green Rovers, Fleetwood Town v Cambridge United, Peterborough United v Shrewsbury Town, Plymouth Argyle v Morecambe, Port Vale v Accrington Stanley, Sheffield Wednesday v Oxford United, Wycombe Wanderers v Ipswich Town.