Portsmouth v Middlesbrough

Last updated : 11 March 2011 By BBC Sport

Middlesbrough defender Joe Bennett chipped a bone in his wrist against Derby but is set to play wearing a protective cast.

Boro are without several other players but Stephen McManus is back in the squad after an ankle injury.

MATCH PREVIEW

Portsmouth's 2-1 defeat at Bristol City in midweek ended their six-match winning run and saw them finally concede a goal. They will be looking to get back to winning ways at Fratton Park, where they have enjoyed four consecutive victories and clean sheets.

Their impressive defence will be wary of the in-form Leroy Lita, who has scored a total of seven goals in Middlesbrough's last six away matches. The striker is now only two goals away from the 100th of his club career.

Boro are fresh from a priceless victory against fellow strugglers Derby County on Tuesday, which left them six points above the relegation zone and dragged the East Midlands club further into trouble.

Pompey are 13th, nine points adrift of the play-off places. But they could yet make the top six if they can put together another good run.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

• Middlesbrough have won 41 and Pompey 38 of the 108 previous matches between these clubs.

• Boro have won on only one of their last 10 league trips to Fratton? Park, and have lost on four of their last six visits.

Portsmouth

• Pompey have scored in each of their last eight Championship games, and in 13 of their last 14.

• Only 167 of their 370 goal attempts this season have been on target, which is the poorest accuracy rate in the second tier.

• They have scored only two goals in the first 15 minutes of Championship games - fewer than any other club.

Middlesbrough

• All but one of Middlesbrough's four away wins this season have been against teams in the bottom half of the table.

• A win would see the Teessiders record back-to-back league victories for the first time since November.

Source: BBC Sport

Source: BBC Sport