Portsmouth v Swindon: early team news, predicted XIs, referee, form guide and key stats

Saturday’s draw against Plymouth means the Blues haven’t won at Fratton Park since their 4-0 victory over Wimbledon on January 19, with just one point from nine collected.

That’s left them sitting fifth in the table – three points behind second-place Hull with a game in hand, and six behind leaders Lincoln.

Kenny Jackett & Co will be keen to add to Swindon’s woes, with the Robins sitting 21st in the table and with just one win in six.

They’ll need to be wary of Brett Pitman, though, who will no doubt have a point to prove on his first return to Fratton Park following his summer exit.

Pompey team news

Ronan Curtis will return to the Pompey starting XI for the visit of Swindon.

He’s been a notable absentee from the Blues’ past two line-ups.

But with the Irishman making an impact as a sub against Plymouth and Michael Jacobs out with a hamstring injury, Curtis will earn a recall.

Kenny Jackett might be tempted to reshuffle his attacking options further, with Ryan Williams not used against the Pilgrims.

Meanwhile, the same approach could be used in midfield, with George Byers waiting patiently.

Defensively, the Blues are likely to remain the same, with Jack Whatmough serving the last game of his three-match suspension and Rasmus Nicolaisen remaining unavailable after his partner gave birth.

Predicted starting XI

Craig MacGillivray, Callum Johnson, James Bolton, Sean Raggett, Charlie Daniels, Marcus Harness, Tom Naylor, Andy Cannon, Ronan Curtis, John Marquis, Ryan Williams. Subs: Lewis Morgan, Haji Mnoga, Lee Brown, Harvey White, George Byers, Jordy Hiwula, Ellis Harrison.

Swindon team news

The hosts will welcome back captain Dion Conroy after he missed Saturday’s defeat to Shrewsbury because of a one-match suspension.

That’s likely to see Rob Hunt return to the bench.

Brett Pitman, who has scored five goals in 23 appearances this term, is likely to lead the line against his former employers alongside Hallam Hope.

However, top-scorer Tyler Smith will be pushing for a recall after missing out altogether against the Shrews.

Anthony Grant remains on the fringes having not featured for the Robins since January 9.

Predicted line-up

Mark Travers, Dion Conroy, Akin Odimayo, Conor Masterson, Dominic Thompson, Jordan Lyden, Matthew Palmer, Jack Payne, Hallam Hope, Brett Pitman, Jordan Garrick.

Subs: Archie Matthews, Paul Caddis, Scott Twine, Tyler Smith, Rob Hunt, Christopher Missilou, Tyrese Omotoye.

Match-day odds (bet365)

Pompey: 2/5

1-0 6/1, 2-0 6/1, 2-1 7/1, 3-0 9/1, 3-1 11/1, 3-2 22/1

Swindon: 13/2

1-0 16/1, 2-0 33/1, 2-1 18/1, 3-0 66/1, 3-1 40/1, 3-2 40/1

Draw: 15/4

0-0 12/1, 1-1 8/1, 2-2 18/1, 3-3 50/1

First goalscorer: John Marquis (3/1), Ronan Curtis (9/2), Ellis Harrison (5/1).

Referee

John Busby

Pompey stats

Top scorer: John Marquis (13)

Top assists: Ronan Curtis and Marcus Harness (both 8)

Most appearances: John Marquis (32)

Swindon stats

Top scorer: Tyler Smith (7)

Top assists: Jack Payne (4)

Most appearances: Jack Payne (28)

Form guide

Pompey: P35 W17 D7 L10

Past five games

D 2-2 Plymouth (H) – League One

W 3-1 Charlton (A) – League One

L 1-0 Lincoln (H) – League One

L 4-0 Hull City (H) – League One

W 4-0 Wimbledon (H) – League One

Swindon: P32 W8 D3 L21

Past five games

L 1-0 Shrewsbury (H) – League One

W 1-0 Wigan (H) – League One

L 1-0 Hull (A) – League One

L 2-0 Plymouth (H) – League

D 2-2 Charlton (A) – League One

Other fixtures (7pm kick offs unless stated)

Accrington Stanley v Plymouth Argyle (5.30pm), Blackpool v Burton Albion, Bristol Rovers v Oxford United, Fleetwood Town v Doncaster Rovers, Hull City v Lincoln City, Northampton Town v Wigan Athletic, Peterborough United v Ipswich Town, Rochdale v MK Dons, Shrewsbury Town v Sunderland.