By Steve Manning
Saturday 17 th December, 2022.
Fratton Park (capacity: 20,620)
Competition: EFL League One – Matchday: 21 of 46
Form
Portsmouth – Pos: 8 th – Pld 18 W 7 D 8 L 3 gf 26 ga 20 gd +6 Pts: 29
Top League Scorer: Colby Bishop – 9 goals
Top Assist Provider: Owen Dale – 3 assists
Previous result:
Pompey brushed Stevenage aside 3-0 in their home tie in the third round PJT encounter
MK Dons – Pos: 23 rd – Pld 20 W 4 D 3 L 13 gf 19 ga 31 gd -12 Pts: 15
Top League Scorer: Will Grigg – 5 goals
Top Assist Provider: Dawson Devoy – 3 assists
Previous result:
Dons lost 4-1 away to Bristol Rovers in the 3 rd Round of this season’s PJT. On Tuesday night. 13/12/22
Head to head record:
Pompey wins: Drawn: Dons wins: Pompey goals: Dons goals:
Last meeting:
FA Cup Second Round – 26 th November 2022: Portsmouth 3 Dons 2
Bristol Rovers reviewed:
Dons began life without Liam Manning with a heavy 4-1 defeat at Bristol Rovers in the Papa John’s Trophy.
Dean Lewington took charge of the side with David Martin assisting the club captain in a coaching capacity. Despite seeing the MK fall to such a heavy loss the Interim boss was pleased mostly with phases of the game.
An extensive match report is available on our website www.mkdsa.org.uk
How Pompey could line up:
Danny Cowley favours a 3-4-1-2 formation, expect Colby Bishop to lead the line again on Saturday.
Possible Starting XI for Pompey:
1. Josh Griffiths;
20. Sean Raggett, 28. Michael Morrison, 4. Clark Robertson (c);
2. Zak Swanson, 7. Marlon Pack, 25. Jay Mingi, 3. Denver Hume;
18. Reeco Hackett-Fairchild; 19. Dane Scarlett, 9. Colby Bishop
How Dons could line up:
Dean could shuffle the pack against Pompey, chances of going with wingbacks is high.
Possible Dons starting XI:
1. Jamie Cumming;
4. Jack Tucker, 5. Warren O’Hora (c), 33. Zak Jules;
2. Tennai Watson, 14. Bradley Johnson, 6. Josh McEachran, 21. Daniel Harvie; 19. Louie Barry, 10. Mo Eisa, 11. Nathan Holland.
One’s to watch:
Dane Scarlett – Portsmouth: Scarlett poses the biggest threat to the Dons backline with his pace and skill on the ball. He has excellent vision and tenacity for such a young player.
If the supply of crosses and through balls to Colby Bishop can be stemmed from the Tottenham youngster Dins could have half a chance.
Jamie Cumming – The Dons: Cumming could be the difference between defeat and total annihilation down at Fratton Park on Saturday.
The most consistent player in Dons colours he’ll shore up the back line and keep the team in this until the pressure tells. A big game performance is the required level for the Chelsea loanee.
Score Prediction:
Portsmouth 3 Dons 1
With confidence at rock bottom, another defeat is on the cards.
Match Odds supplied by Oddschecker:
Pompey win: 19/20 Draw: 12/5 Dons win: 29/10
Pompey to win 3-1: 14/1
Well that’s another big match preview in the books, enjoy the game if you are going to the match.
I wish you all safe travels to, and from Fratton Park.
Until Next Time, SM.
