Pompey are on the road for a fourth game in succession as they make the trip to MK Dons on Saturday (3pm kick-off). It is the first piece of League One action for Danny Cowley’s side in a fortnight following the international break. And they go into the game on the back of Tuesday evening’s madcap match at AFC Wimbledon in the Papa John’s Trophy, which saw the hosts emerge 5-3 victors. It has been a more sedate story in the league, however, with just four goals scored and one conceded. That has left the Blues sitting sixth in the standings – one point and four places above their next opponents, who have played a game more. MK Dons were in action last weekend, as a late Hiram Boateng goal rescued a 1-1 draw at Cheltenham. Liam Manning is in charge of the Buckinghamshire outfit after Russell Martin left to take charge of Swansea less than a week before their opening league fixture. A Scott Fraser penalty settled last season’s corresponding meeting in favour of the hosts, with Jack Whatmough receiving a red card late on. TEAM NEWS Arsenal loanee Miguel Azeez could make his debut, while Gavin Bazunu, Ronan Curtis and Joe Morrell have also returned from international duty. Alex Bass is available again following an illness, but Jayden Reid (knee) and Liam Vincent (shin) are both still sidelined. MK Dons striker Troy Parrott is back from representing Republic of Ireland, but David Kasumu (hamstring) is injured. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 4 wins MK Dons: 2 wins 2 draws At Stadium MK Pompey: 1 win MK Dons: 2 wins 1 draws TICKETS Supporters can purchase tickets on the day of the game by visiting the MK Dons ticket office. Collections will be from the away booth near Gate 3. OFFICIALS Referee: Marc Edwards Assistants: Leigh Crowhurst and Ravel Cheosiaua Fourth Official: Marc Wilson BETTING MK Dons are the 29/20 favourites with VBET to secure all three points, while Pompey can be backed at 2/1.
MK Dons Starting Line-Up:- 1 Andrew Fisher 5 Warren O'Hora 6 Harry Darling 3 Dean Lewington 2 Tennai Watson 7 Matt O'Riley 17 Ethan Robson 21 Daniel Harvie 18 Hiram Boateng 20 Troy Parrott 9 Scott Twine Substitutes 4 Zak Jules 11 Charlie Brown 14 Josh Martin 16 Josh McEachran 23 Franco Ravizzoli 30 Peter Kioso 36 Max Watters
Attempt saved. Troy Parrott (MK Dons) left footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Scott Twine. 5 minutes.
Attempt missed. Troy Parrott (MK Dons) right footed shot from the centre of the box is just a bit too high. Assisted by Tennai Watson. 9 mins.
Reeco Hackett-Fairchild header strikes the pitch and then bounces up just over the bar, from a Kieron Freeman cross. 17 mins.
Attempt blocked. Tennai Watson (MK Dons) right footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked. 30 mins.
Attempt saved. Harry Darling (MK Dons) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved. 32 mins.
Attempt saved. Troy Parrott (MK Dons) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Scott Twine. 34 mins.
Scott Twine shot from distance brilliantly saved by Gavin Bazunu. 41 mins. Attempt missed. Sean Raggett (Portsmouth) header from the left side of the six yard box is just a bit too high. Assisted by Shaun Williams with a cross following a corner. 45 + 2 mins.
Half time whistle. 0-0. .......How it is still goal less, only the good Lord knows, as we have hardly had a shot on goal. MK Dons are completely outplaying us at the moment. Extremely embarassing performance from PFC ! Let us hope for a better second half from us, with possibly Ellis Harrison replacing John Marquis. Would like to see Miguel Azeez given a run out in the second half, as he is an attacking midfielder.
Half-Time Match Stats:- Home Team: MK Dons ............Away Team: Portsmouth Possession: Home 53% Away 47% Shots: Home 9 Away 2 Shots on Target: Home 5 Away 0 Corners: Home 4 Away 2 Fouls: Home 7 Away 7
Substitution for Pompey - Ronan Curtis for Reeco Hackett-Fairchild. 54 mins. Mahlon Romeo for Kieron Freeman. 56mins.
Attempt saved. John Marquis (Portsmouth) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved. 60 mins.
