Pompey In Town - Portsmouth (H)

The O`s return back to E10 this week for two fixtures at Brisbane Road. The first of these two matches sees them entertain 23rd place Portsmouth.

Both sides are looking to continue their recent runs, as they look for much needed points for differing reasons. VitalOrient previews tonight`s clash.

Nathan Clarke is a major doubt for tonight`s match after being taken off in the win at Shrewsbury with a suspected rib injury. If he doesn`t pass a late fitness test it is likely that Elliott Omozusi will take his place.

Gary Sawyer could be fit enough to return to the bench after Russell Slade stated he was close to a return. Another player potentially back for tonight could be Shaun Batt, who is hoping to shake off a toe injury to take a place on the substitute bench.

Romain Vincelot - Orient`s number four has been instrumental in their recent run. His combative midfield displays have shown what the O`s have lacked in the midfield area during parts of this season.

Vincelot also has an attacking vision about his play, which he showed on Saturday by winning the crucial penalty against Shrewsbury.

The Frenchman will be looking to earn himself a new contract in the summer, with recent performances he will be hoping to convince Slade or other potential suitors that he is worth a contract come May.

Portsmouth look set to continue with the same team that has guided them to consecutive wins. Sam Sodje could however return after completing his suspension after his mindless sending off against fellow strugglers Oldham.

There is also likely to be a place on the bench for youth product Jack Maloney, who made his first professional appearance, coming on a substitute against Bury.

The Irishman has been in fine form over recent games, scoring four goals in his last three appearances. The striker signed after a spell in Southampton, has warmed the hearts of the blue side of Hampshire as his partnership with on-loan striker Patrick Agyemang has started to become effective.

With over 150 career goals to his name, the O`s will have to be alert to stop clinical Connolly.

In the reverse fixture in November the O`s were 3-2 victors on the night at Fratton Park, with Orient inflicting Portsmouth seven straight defeat in a row at the time.

Whilst the home side will have some new faces in their side from the last time these two met, Portsmouth will have only one player from their starting 11 that night still at the club in Gabor Gyepes.

In the 35 matches the two have played together, Portsmouth have been victorious the most claiming 14 wins against Orient`s 10 whilst there have been 11 draws.

Leyton Orient : Carlisle (H) 16 Mar; Preston (A) 23 Mar; Scunthorpe (H) 29 Mar


Portsmouth : Doncaster (A) 16 Mar; Coventry (H) 23 Mar; Preston (A) 29 Mar


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