Pompey return to League One action after a devastating 2nd round JPT exit at the hands of Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday night. Michael Appleton’s men have two successive home games and will want to continue their recent good league form which has seen them take 7 points from a possible 9. Todays visitors are Crewe Alexandra, led by manager Steve Davis.
Team News
Pompey have a defensive headache with Lubomir Michalik rated as 50/50 while Mustapha Dumbuya (international duty) and Darel Russel (injury) are confirmed absentees. Josh Thompson has returned to training so may well feature.
Michael Appleton may decide to again hand a start to Akos Buzsaky who showed glimpses of his quality in the defeat to Wycombe.
Crewe are likely to have a full squad to choose from, midfield duo Abdul Osman and Byron Moore are expected to be fit after missing the last four and three games respectively.
History
Pompey and Crewe have faced each other 14 times and the Railway men hold the advantage with 6 wins in total.
The most recent meetings between the sides came back in the 01/02 season where Crewe were triumphant at Fratton Park before a 1-1 draw in the return fixture.
Pompey last beat Crewe on the South Coast back in October 2000 as a late Steve Claridge penalty secured a 2-1 victory.
Pompey currently sit 17th in the League One table with 12 points, while Crewe are 15th on 13 points from the 11 games played.
Form (League Only)
Pompey last five – L L W W D
Crewe last five – D D L L W
Line Up
Probable Pompey line up - Anderson, Thompson, Michalik, Gyepes, Harley, Ertl, Howard, Buzsaky, Williamson, McLeod, Thomas
Probable Crewe line up - Martin, Tootle, Davis, Ellis, Murphy, Mellor, Aneke, Bond, Clayton, Pogba, Leitch-Smith
Discussion
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