Stevenage v Portsmouth: team news, match odds, key stats and more ahead of kick off

Pompey kick-start their 2020-21 season with a trip to League Two Stevenage in the Carabao Cup.
Paul Downing is expected to partner Sean Raggett at the heart of the Pompey defence at StevenagePaul Downing is expected to partner Sean Raggett at the heart of the Pompey defence at Stevenage
Paul Downing is expected to partner Sean Raggett at the heart of the Pompey defence at Stevenage

It will be the Blues’ first competitive outing since their play-off semi-final penalty shootout defeat at the hands of Oxford United.

And they’ll be looking to put that loss firmly behind them as they seek momentum for another promotion charge.

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Here’s all you need to know ahead of today’s behind-closed-doors game at the Lamex Stadium.

Stevenage team news

It’s been a busy couple of months at the Lamex Stadium, despite a lack of football.

The Boro have made wholesale changes to their playing squad after finishing bottom of the League Two table but surviving the drop following a points deduction for Macclesfield.

Rookie manager Alex Revell has been ruthless in his assessment of his options and not been afraid to freshen things up.

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Twenty-two players were allowed to leave the club back in June.

Meanwhile, a total of 12 new additions are now calling the Lamex Stadium home.

Among the new arrivals are former Colchester captain Luke Prosser and Shrewsbury midfielder Romain Vincelot.

Predicted starting XI

Jamie Cumming, Ben Coker, Scott Cuthbert, Luke Prosser, James Wildin, Charlier Carter, Romain Vincelot, Elliot Osborne, Tyrone Marsh, Femi Akinwande, Elliott List. Subs: William Johnson, Terence VanCouten, Ross Marshall, Luis Fernandez, Marcus Dinanga, Inih Effiong, Dan Newton.

Pompey team news

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Pompey will be without Ellis Harrison and Reeco Hackett-Fairchild for their opening game of the 2020-21 season.

The duo are injured and will miss the trip to Stevenage in the first round of the Carabao Cup (3pm).

Harrison has been sidelined with a calf setback and is yet to feature in pre-season.

However, the striker made his return to training on Thursday and is hoping to be fit for the EFL Trophy clash with Colchester on Tuesday, September 8.

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Hackett-Fairchild also trained with Kenny Jackett’s side, having twisted his knee earlier this summer.

The Colchester clash is also a possibility for the ex-Bromley man.

As a result, Pompey have 17 first-team players available for the trip to Boro.

One of Alfie Stanley, Eoin Teggart or Harvey Rew looks could be among the substitutes.

Predicted starting XI

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Alex Bass, James Bolton, Paul Downing, Sean Raggett, Lee Brown, Tom Nayor, Bryn Morris, Ryan Williams, Marcus Harness, Ronan Curtis, John Marquis. Subs: Craig MacGillivray, Jack Whatmough, Haji Mnoga, Andy Cannon, Ben Close, Gareth Evans, Alfie Stanley.

Match-day odds (Bet365)

Stevenage 15/4

1-0 12/1, 2-0 22/1, 2-1 14/1, 3-0 50/1, 3-1 33/1, 3-2 40/1

Pompey 13/20

1-0 13/2, 2-0 15/2, 2-1 15/2, 3-0 12/1, 3-1 12/1, 3-2 22/1

Draw 3/1

0-0 12/1, 1-1 13/2, 2-2 14/1, 3-3 50/1

Referee

Sam Purkiss (London)

Stevenage stats (from last season)

Top scorer: Charlie Carter (6)

Most assists: Dean Parrett (3) – released by Stevenage in the summer.

Most games played: Paul Farman (41) – released by Stevenage in the summer.

Pompey stats

Top scorer: John Marquis and Ronan Curtis (both 14)

Most assists: Ronan Curtis (12)

Most games played: John Marquis (48)

Form guide

Stevenage (last season)

P45 W6 D15 L24

Past five games (including friendlies)

L 1-0 Luton (H) – pre-season friendly

D 1-1 AFC Wimbledon (H) – pre-season friendly

W 5-1 Braintree Town (A) – pre-season friendly

L 3-1 Crewe (H) – League Two

L 2-0 Crawley (A) – League Two

Pompey (last season)

P52 W29 D12 L11

Past five games (including friendlies)

L 3-0 Brighton (A) – pre-season friendly

W 2-0 Norwich U23 (neutral venue) – pre-season friendly

D 1-1 Oxford (A) – League One play-off

D 1-1 Oxford United (H) – League One play-off

D 1-1 Brentford (A) – friendly

Other games

Saturday (3pm kick offs unless stated)

Blackburn Rovers v Doncaster Rovers, Preston North End v Mansfield Town, Stoke City v Blackpool.

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