Pompey’s search for a first League One victory of the new season continues at Burton on Saturday. Kenny Jackett’s side drew successive games against Shrewsbury and Rochdale before suffering a rare home defeat to Wigan last weekend. It means they are currently down in 21st position in the standings – albeit at an extremely early stage of the campaign. Their next opponents got off the mark by beating Accrington 2-1 in their most recent Pirelli Stadium contest. However, losses to Fleetwood and Swindon ensured that the Brewers have not collected any other points. Jake Buxton’s side also made it through to the second round of the Carabao Cup, where they were knocked out by top-flight Aston Villa. Albion finished 12th in League Two last term after Covid-19 brought an end to their season after 35 matches had taken place. That meant they only faced Pompey once, with the hosts having to come from two goals down to salvage a point at Fratton Park. The most recent Pirelli Stadium clash came in April 2019, when Matt Clarke’s late strike secured a dramatic 2-1 victory. TEAM NEWS Alex Bass has recovered from an ankle problem, meaning Kenny Jackett has a fully-fit squad to select from. Blues skipper Tom Naylor and winger Marcus Harness will both be hoping to feature against their former club. Neal Eardley and Charles Vernam could feature for the hosts after recovering from injuries, but Michael Bostwich and Reece Hutchinson are both still sidelined. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 2 wins Burton: 1 win 4 draws At Pirelli Stadium Pompey: 2 wins Burton 1 win 0 draws OFFICIALS Referee: Tom Nield Assistants: Alan Clayton and Alistair Nelson Fourth Official: Grant Taylor BETTING Pompey are the 11/10 favourites with Sky Bet to secure all three points, while the hosts can be backed at 21/10.
Burton Albion starting XI: Ben Garratt; Ben Fox, John Brayford, John-Joe O’Toole, Colin Daniel; Ryan Edwards, Stephen Quinn, Joe Powell; Charles Vernam, Kane Hemmings, Lucas Akins Substitutes: Kieran O’Hara, Indiana Vassilev, Jack Roles, Kieran Wallace, Owen Gallacher, Ciaran Gilligan, Steven Lawless
Pompey 0-1 up after just 90 seconds ! Made by Michael Jacobs, scored by Marcus Harness against his former club.
Attempt blocked. Joe Powell (Burton Albion) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Stephen Quinn. 4 minutes.
Attempt missed. Ryan Williams (Portsmouth) left footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Marcus Harness. 9 minutes.
Attempt blocked. Marcus Harness (Portsmouth) right footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Michael Jacobs. 11 minutes.
1-1 now, with a Lucas Akins (Burton Albion) right footed shot from the centre of the box. 14 minutes.
Ryan Williams and Ellis Harrison teed it up well for Marcus Harness, who skipped past one man and fired a shot a goal. Went across the keeper and wide, but a good chance. 35 mins.
Attempt missed. Sean Raggett (Portsmouth) header from the centre of the box is too high. Assisted by Michael Jacobs with a cross following a corner. 37 minutes.
