Pompey return to Fratton Park on the back of another defeat, after being soundly beaten by Notts County last time out. Michael Appleton has challenged his side to be braver and finally take a home maximum after one draw and three defeats this season in PO4.
Team News
Pompey will be without Luke Rodgers after the striker was ruled out with a thigh strain, he is expected to be out for around three weeks, although some reports claim as many as six weeks.
Defender Josh Thompson is another expected absentee after rolling his ankle in training, fellow defensive partner Gabor Gyepes is still carrying a knock but may play through the pain and accompany Lubomir Michalik once again.
Pompey were rumoured to be making moves for trialists Luis Boa Morte and Akos Buzsaky but it is thought the duo are unlikely to be snapped up in time, if at all.
Scunthorpe travel to Fratton Park hoping to have a completely fit squad – something Michael Appleton could only dream of. Scunny captain Paul Reid and left-back Callum Kennedy are back in training after their respective injuries.
History
These two sides have met 20 times in all competitions, with Pompey the victors on seven occasions. Scunthorpe have beaten Pompey five times.
The last meeting was a 1-1 draw at Glanford Park in 2011, as David Nugent rescued a late point for a lacklustre Pompey. The Blues had recorded a 2-0 home victory earlier in that season thanks to a rare goal-a-piece from Aaron Mokoena and Dave Kitson.
Scunthorpe have not won at Fratton Park since 1964, and how the Fratton faithful would love that run to continue on Saturday.
Pompey are 21st in the League One table, with 5 points from eight games. Scunthorpe are in eighteenth place with eight points.
Form
Pompey last five (League only) – L W L L L
Scunthorpe last five – L D W D W
Likely Line Ups
Pompey: Andersen; Dumbuya, Gyepes, Michalik, Harley; Compton, Howard, Russell, Obita, Williamson, Walker; McLeod
Scunthorpe: Slocombe; Newey, Mirfin, Riberio, Canavan; Prutton, Walker, Ryan, Duffy; Hawley, Clarke
Discussion
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