Preview: Portsmouth vs. Exeter City - prediction, team news, lineups

While the hosts are sat in 15th position in the League One table, Exeter are currently in 10th place, and they will be aiming to extend their four-game unbeaten run.

Match preview

After losing 3-1 to Charlton in their most recent home game on New Year's Day, the Portsmouth hierarchy made the decision to relieve Danny Cowley of his duties as Pompey boss.

Simon Bassey was subsequently put in interim charge, but he has failed to instigate an upturn in fortunes, overseeing three consecutive defeats.

After losing 1-0 to Tottenham Hotspur and Bolton Wanderers in the FA Cup and EFL Trophy respectively, Pompey were beaten once again by the Trotters last weekend, with the league meeting ending in a dismal 3-0 defeat.

While recent reports suggest that Oxford United player-coach John Mousinho is set to be appointed manager, Bassey will remain in the dugout for Saturday's game, which will represent his first home match as interim boss.

Having failed to record a league victory since October 22, Bassey will be keen to end Pompey's 10-game winless league run in what appears to be his final game in charge.

Although they have played three games more than Pompey, Exeter head into the weekend four points better off than their opponents and five points adrift of the playoff places.

The Grecians are currently enjoying a four-game unbeaten run, which began with a goalless home draw in the reverse meeting with Portsmouth on Boxing Day.

They followed that result with a dramatic 4-3 victory over Bristol Rovers, before they edged out Oxford United via a 1-0 scoreline.

Although they were unable to claim a third straight win against Forest Green Rovers last weekend, Exeter managed to avoid defeat thanks to Jevani Brown's 75th-minute equaliser, after Jordan Garrick had opened the scoring nine minutes into the second half.

After beating Oxford and Bristol Rovers in their last two away games, Exeter have the chance to claim a third consecutive away victory on Saturday.

Portsmouth League One form:

L

L

D

D

L

L

Portsmouth form (all competitions):

D

D

L

L

L

L

Exeter City League One form:

D

L

D

W

W

D

Team News

The hosts are still expected to be without the services of Clark Robertson, Jayden Reid, Tom Lowery and Joe Rafferty due to injury issues.

Marlon Pack is also unavailable for Portsmouth, with the midfielder set to serve the third game of a four-match suspension.

Ryley Towler may have to settle for a place on the bench despite making his Pompey debut as a substitute last weekend, but there could be a place in the startling lineup for Reeco Hackett.

As for the visitors, they are unable to call upon Kyle Taylor, who is currently sidelined with an ankle injury.

After coming off the bench to score the equaliser against Forest Green, Brown could be rewarded with a place in the starting lineup.

Joe White also appeared as a substitute last weekend, playing just under 30 minutes on his Exeter debut after joining on loan from Newcastle, and he could be given his first start for the club on Saturday.

Portsmouth possible starting lineup:

Oluwayemi; Morrison, Raggett, Ogilvie; Swanson, Tunnicliffe, Morrell, Hume; Dale, Hackett, Bishop

Exeter City possible starting lineup:

Blackman; Sweeney, Diabate, Hartridge; Caprice, Kite, Collins, Sparkes; White; Brown, Nombe

We say: Portsmouth 1-1 Exeter City

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