Portsmouth v Peterborough: injury news, predicted line-ups, form guide and big-match odds ahead of League One promotion battle

Pompey welcome Peterborough to Frattom Park this afternoon (3pm).
Pompey's Ronan Curtis in action against former team-mate and Peterborough defender Nathan Thompson last season. Picture: Joe PeplerPompey's Ronan Curtis in action against former team-mate and Peterborough defender Nathan Thompson last season. Picture: Joe Pepler
Pompey's Ronan Curtis in action against former team-mate and Peterborough defender Nathan Thompson last season. Picture: Joe Pepler

Here’s all the key information you need to know ahead of kick-off...

Pompey team news

Kenny Jackett must decide whether to make changes to his starting XI from the 1-0 loss at Blackpool on Tuesday.

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The Pompey boss restored Marcus Harness to a striker role and brought Ryan Williams back into the starting XI after his groin injury at Bloomfield Road.

But the Blues struggled for any attacking spark, which may persuade Jackett to tweak things.

Ellis Harrison is an option to start up front alongside John Marquis after coming off the bench against the Seasiders.

In terms of injuries, Pompey are coming close to a clean bill of health heading into a hectic period.

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Michael Jacobs is currently the only player sidelined with a knee injury he suffered at Sunderland in October.

However, the former Wigan forward is set to return to full training next week.

Predicted line-up

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

Subs: Alex Bass, Rasmus Nicolaisen, Cam Pring, Ben Close, Bryn Morris, Ellis Harrison, Jordy Hiwula.

Peterborough team news

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Pompey academy graduate Dan Butler will miss out on a return to Fratton Park.

The Isle of Wight left-back was absent for the Posh’s 2-1 loss to AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday night with a calf problem and is expected to miss their next three games.

However, former Blues favourite Nathan Thompson did make his comeback from a hamstring complaint against the Wombles is likely to start.

Jonson Clarke-Harris also returned from an ankle knock to score his eighth goal of the season at Plough Lane.

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Joe Ward (knee) has missed Peterborough’s past three games and won’t travel to Fratton Park, while youngster Ricky-Jade Jones is also a doubt.

Predicted line-up

Christy Pym, Nathan Thompson, Frankie Kent, Mark Beevers, Frazer Blake-Tracy, Jack Taylor, Louis Reed, Ryan Broom, Sammie Szmodics, Siriki Dembele, Jonson Clarke-Harris.

Subs: Daniel Gyollai, Niall Mason, Idris Kanu, Ethan Hamilton, Reece Brown, Flynn Clarke, Mo Eisa.

Match-day odds (bet365)

Pompey: 11/10

1-0 13/2, 2-0 9/1, 2-1 8/1, 3-0 18/1, 3-1 16/1, 3-2 28/1

Peterborough: 23/10

1-0 17/2, 2-0 16-1, 2-1 11/1, 3-0 33-1, 3-1 25/1, 3-2 33/1

Draw: 5/2

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

Referee: Peter Wright (Lancashire)

Pompey stats

Top scorer: John Marquis (11)

Top assists: Marcus Harness and Ronan Curtis (both 6)

Most appearances: John Marquis (21)

Peterborough stats

Top scorer: Jonson Clarke-Harris (8)

Top assists: Joe Ward (6)

Most appearances: Frankie Kent (19)

Form guide

Pompey: P22 W11 D5 L6

Past five games

L 1-0 Blackpool (A) – League One

W 6-1 King’s Lynn (H) – FA Cup

D 1-1 Oxford (H) – League One

W 4-1 Crewe (H) – League One

D 2-2 Plymouth (A) – League One

Peterborough: P21 W11 D3 L7

Past five games

L 2-1 AFC Wimbledon (A) – League One

L 2-1 Chorley (H) – FA Cup

W 1-0 Plymouth (H) – League One

L 2-1 Blackpool (H) – League One

L 2-0 Crewe (A) – League One

Other fixtures (all 3pm kick-offs unless stated)

Gillingham v Swindon (1pm), Accrington v MK Dons, AFC Wimbledon v Bristol Rovers, Burton v Crewe, Fleetwood v Blackpool, Northampton v Doncaster, Oxford v Hull, Plymouth v Ipswich, Rochdale v Lincoln, Shrewsbury v Charlton, Sunderland v Wigan.