Darren Ferguson: ‘It’s tough at Portsmouth no matter what the circumstances, so we must impose ourselves on them and make them defend’

Ferguson could move away from his wing-back formation this weekend as his two most natural wide players Joe Ward and Dan Butler are both sidelined by injuries. Butler’s calf problem requires a small operation so he is unlikely to return before the MK Dons game on December 15.

Posh have lost four of their last five competitive matches, while Pompey have won only three of their eight home League One matches this season.

Pompey, who will move above third-placed Posh with a win, will be boosted by 2,000 fans in the stadium on Saturday though, something that pleases Ferguson.

“Everyone in football will welcome fans back,” Ferguson stated. “It just so happens we are at Portsmouth for the first game with crowd.

“The fans at Fratton Park normally create a fantastic atmosphere, but whether or not their absence is why they’ve not been as good as normal at home is another matter. Big crowds can be a hindrance if your not playing well.

“Having fans back won’t matter to us. It’s a tough game down there no matter what the circumstances. They have a good, experienced team and a good, experienced manager. They have an in-form striker in John Marquis and good wingers plus a variety of ways of playing.

“But we must impose our style of play on them. That’s key. We need the same level of performance as we delivered at Wimbledon, but with better finishing. We need to be good on the ball and make them defend.

“We have lost our most natural wingbacks so I will pick a team that suits the personnel available rather that make the players fit the system.”

Pompey are at full strength apart from their former Cobblers midfielder Michael Jacobs who is injured.

Possible Posh team.

(4-2-3-1)

Pym

Thompson, Kent, Beevers, Blake-Tracy

Reed, Taylor.

Broom, Szmodics, Dembele.

Clarke-Harris.