Preview: Portsmouth vs. Morecambe - prediction, team news, lineups

Morecambe, who are currently five points adrift from safety, will want to end a nine-game winless run as they look to mount a great escape.

Match preview

Portsmouth's playoff hopes received a setback on Friday, as they had to settle for a 1-1 draw in their away meeting with MK Dons despite taking the lead.

Conor Ogilvie opened the scoring but Joe Morrell's 39th-minute red card left John Mousinho's side with a lot of work to do.

As it proved, Mo Eisa's 65th-minute equaliser ensured that Pompey had to be content with a point that extended their unbeaten run to five matches.

Portsmouth ultimately lost ground on their playoff rivals, as Derby County, Peterborough United and Bolton Wanderers all recorded victories to leave Pompey five points adrift of the top six.

If they are to remain in touch with the playoff places then Pompey know that they will need to secure all three points on Monday, and they can draw inspiration from their last home meeting with Morecambe in December 2021, which produced a 2-0 win.

Meanwhile, Morecambe's two-season stay in League One looks to be coming to an end after they lost a third consecutive game on Friday.

The Shrimps took the lead against promotion-chasing Plymouth Argyle through Jensen Weir, but second-half strikes from Danny Mayor, Ben Waine, and Jay Matete condemned Morecambe to a 3-1 defeat.

Derek Adams's side have now drawn three and lost six of their previous nine matches, leaving them in a lowly 23rd position.

Having played two games more than the three teams above them, closing the five-point gap to safety in their final five games will be a tall order.

Hopes of claiming all three points on Monday will also be slim, as Morecambe have failed to win any of their last 15 away league matches since beating Forest Green Rovers in September, which still represents their only away win in League One this season.

Portsmouth League One form:

L

W

W

D

W

D

Morecambe League One form:

L

L

D

L

L

L

Team News

Portsmouth remain without the services of injured trio Ronan Curtis, Jay Mingi and Zach Swanson, while Morrell will miss out through suspension.

With the Wales international unavailable, Ryan Tunnicliffe could come into the side to feature in a midfield three alongside Tom Lowery and Marlon Pack.

After being brought into the lineup for Friday's draw with MK Dons, Di'Shon Bernard is set to retain his place in the Portsmouth backline.

As for the visitors, Adams should have the majority of his squad available to him, although Jacob Bedeau is a doubt after missing out against Plymouth.

After replacing Bedeau in the side on Friday, Ryan Delaney is expected to keep his place in the back three alongside Farrend Rawson and Dynel Simeu.

Oumar Niasse dropped down to the bench for the Plymouth clash, but the former Everton striker could return to the forward line for Monday's encounter.

Portsmouth possible starting lineup:

Macey; Rafferty, Raggett, Bernard, Ogilvie; Lowery, Pack, Tunnicliffe; Dale, Jacobs, Bishop

Morecambe possible starting lineup:

Ripley; Simeu, Rawson, Delaney; Love, Weir, Gibson, Souare; Crowley; Stockton, Niasse

We say: Portsmouth 2-0 Morecambe

Morecambe have struggled on their travels, losing 10 of their last 11 away league games, and we think that poor run of form will continue against a Portsmouth side that are unbeaten in five matches.

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