Portsmouth vs Hartlepool United FC preview - McCallum missing for Pompey

Portsmouth will be without striker Paul McCallum when they host Hartlepool.

The on-loan West Ham youngster, who began a three-match ban last week, was subsequently hit with an additional four-match suspension for his reaction to being sent off against Southend.

Boss Andy Awford could therefore name an unchanged side after an encouraging display in the goalless draw at promotion-chasing Wycombe last weekend.

Long-term knee injury-victims Tom Craddock and Wes Fogden are not yet ready to return and young midfielder Ben Close has been loaned out to Poole Town.

Hartlepool's new signings Marvin Morgan and David Mirfin are both in contention to make their debuts for the club.

Striker Morgan arrived this week on loan until the end of the season from Plymouth and centre-back Mirfin has joined from Scunthorpe, initially for a month.

Boss Ronnie Moore, who has no new injury or suspension problems, must decide whether to make changes to accommodate either player following last week's home win against Plymouth.

Long-term absentee Tommy Miller is edging closer to a return following a calf injury but defender Stuart Parnaby (knee) is still out.