Accrington Stanley vs Portsmouth - Danny Hollands injured for Pompey's trip to Accrington

Posted Friday, January 15, 2016 by PA

Accrington boss John Coleman is confident his side will finally be able to play at home against Portsmouth on Saturday.

The wet weather in Lancashire has meant four successive home postponements for Stanley, who have not competed at the Wham Stadium since a draw with Newport on November 14.

Extensive work to the pitch and drains as well as drier weather has left Coleman optimistic, although the fixture backlog will mean he needs to call on all his squad over the next few weeks.

The likes of Terry Gornell, Shay McCartan, Adam Buxton, Liam Wakefield, Andy Procter and Anthony Barry will all hope to be given some game time, while defender Dean Winnard is coming back from injury.

Pompey will be without holding midfielder Danny Hollands after he was ruled out for two months with a broken leg picked up in the 2-2 FA Cup draw at Ipswich last weekend.

Ben Close is likely to deputise, with Portsmouth boss Paul Cook having told Nigel Atangana he can find a new club and James Dunne departing for Cambridge.

Caolan Lavery has returned to Sheffield Wednesday following a successful loan spell, with Gary Roberts likely to keep his place after an impressive return to action at Portman Road.