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Sports Mole previews Tuesday’s League One clash between Accrington Stanley and Portsmouth, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Relegation-threatened Accrington Stanley will have the chance to claim a third consecutive home victory in League One when they face Portsmouth on Tuesday.
The visitors, meanwhile, will be looking to return to winning ways after losing their last two matches.
Match preview
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Since beating Forest Green Rovers in their most recent home match, Accrington have picked up just one point from two away games.
After being thrashed 3-0 by Ipswich Town last Tuesday, John Coleman‘s side played out a 1-1 draw against Charlton Athletic on Tuesday.
Shaun Whalley gave Accrington the lead just before the half-hour mark, but their advantage lasted less than 10 minutes before Steven Sessegnon restored parity, and with neither side able to find a winner in the second half, they both had to be content with a point apiece.
Tuesday’s hosts are just two points clear of the relegation zone, but they have two games in hand over the bottom four, which could prove pivotal in their survival bid.
Accrington will now turn their attention to Tuesday’s encounter where they have the chance to claim three consecutive home league victories for the first time since February last year.
Meanwhile, Portsmouth will be looking to avoid a third consecutive defeat after losing to Barnsley and Sheffield Wednesday in their last two games.
Pompey enjoyed a five-game unbeaten run before they were beaten 3-1 by Barnsley last Tuesday, and they were unable to find a response against the Owls on Saturday.
Josh Windass gave Sheffield Wednesday a first-half lead, and although the league leaders were reduced to 10-men in the 78th minute, Portsmouth were unable to find an equaliser.
John Mousinho‘s first home defeat as Portsmouth boss leaves Tuesday’s visitors in 10th place with 12 points separating them from sixth-placed Bolton Wanderers, who have played a game more.
Although Pompey look set to spend another season in League One, they will be keen to end the current campaign on the front foot, beginning with Tuesday’s meeting where they will be aiming to claim their first away victory over Accrington since March 2016.
Accrington Stanley League One form:
Accrington Stanley form (all competitions):
Portsmouth League One form:
Team News
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Accrington are still unable to call upon Ryan Astley, Joe Pritchard, David Morgan and Jay Rich-Baghuelou, who are sidelined with injury issues.
Coleman has revealed that Ethan Hamilton is close to returning to full fitness, but Tuesday’s encounter may come too soon for the 24-year-old.
After serving their respective suspension periods, goalkeeper Lukas Jensen and winger Sean McConville will be brought into the starting lineup.
As for the visitors, their injury list includes Clark Robertson, Marlon Pack, Zak Swanson and Ronan Curtis.
Having recently returned from a long spell on the sidelines, Tom Lowery dropped down to the bench at the weekend, but the midfielder could return to the starting lineup on Tuesday.
After coming off the bench to play the final 25 minutes against Sheffield Wednesday, Reeco Hackett could be presented with a starting opportunity.
Accrington Stanley possible starting lineup:
Jensen; Sangare, Rodgers, Tharme; Clark, Martin, Conneely, McConville; Leigh; Whalley, Pressley
Portsmouth possible starting lineup:
Macey; Rafferty, Raggett, Towler, Ogilvie; Tunnicliffe, Morrell; Lane, Lowery, Hackett; Bishop
We say: Accrington Stanley 1-1 Portsmouth
Pompey have won only one of their last five away games, and after drawing thier last two away meetings with Accrington, we think they will have to settle for a point on Tuesday.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting under 2.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Under 2.5:data
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