Portsmouth v Blackpool preview
Last Updated: September 23, 2011 11:46am
Lawrence: Returns for Pompey
Team news ahead of Saturday's Championship clash between Portsmouth and Blackpool at Fratton Park.
Liam Lawrence returns to the Pompey squad for the visit of Blackpool, but Luke Varney and Dave Kitson are out.
Lawrence missed last weekend's defeat at Hull through suspension after his red card at West Ham a fortnight ago.
Varney begins a three-match ban after he was sent off against the Tigers, and fellow striker Kitson is still missing with a rib injury which looks set to keep him out until after the international break.
Hungary Under-21 international Marko Futacs has made two substitute appearances since joining from Werder Bremen last month and could be in line for his full debut.
Joel Ward started in midfield at Hull but may revert to his preferred position at right-back against the Seasiders.
Blackpool manager Ian Holloway will be without Neal Eardley and Elliot Grandin for the long trip up north.
The pair are both suffering from foot injuries, with the news coming as a particular blow for Wales international Eardley, who has only just made his recovery from surgery on a badly dislocated finger.
Apart from their absence, Holloway has no new injury or suspension concerns as his side look to extend their four-match unbeaten run.
The Tangerines boss is expected to make one or two changes to the side that drew 1-1 with Cardiff, with Stephen Crainey and recent signings Daniel Bogdanovic and James Hurst pushing for starting berths.
Left-back Crainey played 35 minutes as a substitute last week following his return from illness.
Matches
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npower Championship
Table
npower Championship
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cardiff City | 46 | 87 |
| 2 | Hull City | 46 | 79 |
| 3 | Watford | 46 | 77 |
| 4 | Brighton and Hove Albion | 46 | 75 |
| 5 | Crystal Palace | 46 | 72 |
| 6 | Leicester City | 46 | 68 |
| 7 | Bolton Wanderers | 46 | 68 |
| 8 | Nottingham Forest | 46 | 67 |
| 9 | Charlton Athletic | 46 | 65 |
| 10 | Derby County | 46 | 61 |
| 11 | Burnley | 46 | 61 |
| 12 | Birmingham City | 46 | 61 |
| 13 | Leeds United | 46 | 61 |
| 14 | Ipswich Town | 46 | 60 |
| 15 | Blackpool | 46 | 59 |
| 16 | Middlesbrough | 46 | 59 |
| 17 | Blackburn Rovers | 46 | 58 |
| 18 | Sheffield Wednesday | 46 | 58 |
| 19 | Huddersfield Town | 46 | 58 |
| 20 | Millwall | 46 | 56 |
| 21 | Barnsley | 46 | 55 |
| 22 | Peterborough United | 46 | 54 |
| 23 | Wolverhampton Wanderers | 46 | 51 |
| 24 | Bristol City | 46 | 41 |
