Crewe v Portsmouth preview

Team news for Saturday's League One clash between Crewe and Portsmouth at the Alexandra Stadium.

Brad Inman is a major injury doubt for Crewe. The on-loan Newcastle midfielder sustained ankle damage when Alex went down 3-0 to Pompey's fellow strugglers Hartlepool in midweek. The club's medical staff are hopeful the 21-year-old has only suffered heavy bruising as opposed to ligament damage but, either way, this weekend at Gresty Road probably comes too soon for him. The Railwaymen's only other injury absentee is rookie defender Jon Guthrie, who is likely to be sidelined for a further two weeks with a groin problem. Manager Steve Davis suggested he was ready to shuffle his pack in the wake of Tuesday's Victoria Park reverse. Fit-again Matt Tootle and fellow defender Harry Davis could come in to add extra steel, while top scorer Mathias Pogba is hoping for an opportunity in attack. Sam Sodje will again be missing from the Portsmouth squad. The defender is in the middle of a three-match ban after he was sent off for violent conduct against Oldham last weekend. Full-back Shaun Cooper missed Tuesday night's 1-1 draw against MK Dons with a hip injury but is close to returning and will be handed a late fitness test. Caretaker boss Guy Whittingham has no new injury worries and could name an unchanged side after an encouraging display, despite seeing Pompey's winless run extended to 23 games. Veteran striker David Connolly returned after missing four matches with a hamstring injury and will keep his place after scoring his first goal for the club.