Match Day Thread Pompey v Scunthorpe

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Pompey have seen a return to form in recent weeks and will be looking to secure another victory against Scunthorpe on Saturday.

Kenny Jackett’s side have won two of their past three games – scoring nine goals in the process – to restore hopes of a promotion push.

But the Blues have also opened up a 13-point gap on seventh position to increase their chances of at least securing a play-off spot.

Their next opponents are currently down in 15th and, such with the bottom half of the table so tightly bunched, not out of relegation danger.

Stuart McCall’s men will want to increase their four-point buffer on the drop zone to secure a sixth successive season in League One.

A run of four fixtures without a win was ended earlier in the week when they fought from behind to beat Southend 4-1 on home soil.

The Iron reached the play-offs in both of the previous two seasons and were beaten on aggregate by Rotherham last term.

Tom Naylor and Gareth Evans found the target when Pompey won 2-1 at Glanford Park earlier in the season, while the most recent Fratton Park meeting ended 1-1.

TEAM NEWS
Ronan Curtis is out after severely damaging his finger earlier in the week, while there is a doubt over James Vaughan (back).

Pompey are also still missing Andy Cannon (quad), Bryn Morris (knee) and Jack Whatmough (knee).

Scunthorpe will be without Cameron Borthwick-Jackson (knee), Jordan Clarke (knee), Ryan Colclough (knee), Matthew Lund (knee), Josh Morris (ankle), Levi Sutton (groin) and Rory Watson (arm).

HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 9 wins
Scunthorpe: 9 wins
9 draws

At Fratton Park
Pompey: 5 wins
Scunthorpe: 3 wins
5 draws

BETTING
Pompey are the 3/5 favourites with Sky Bet to secure all three points, while the visitors can be backed at 17/4.