Portsmouth vs Plymouth Argyle preview - Defensive problems mount for Pompey

Portsmouth are rapidly running out of centre-halves ahead of the home game against Plymouth.

Boss Andy Awford had already lost Paul Robinson (cheekbone) and Jack Whatmough (knee) for the rest of the season.

And Pompey's problems at the back deepened during the 2-2 draw at Carlisle on Friday when Ben Chorley limped off with a back problem and his replacement, Nyron Nosworthy, was forced off with a head injury.

Paul McCallum (ankle), Andy Barcham (knee), Danny East (hamstring) and Michael Poke (back) are set to miss out again.

Carl McHugh will shake off a gashed knee to line up for Plymouth at Fratton Park.

The centre-back suffered a cut to his knee before grabbing a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Burton on Good Friday but he will be included from the start for the Pilgrims as they look to maintain their play-off push and do the double over Pompey.

Fellow defender Gethin Jones is set to keep his place at right-back having made his debut against the Brewers, even if Anthony O'Connor recovers from his groin problem.

Argyle currently sit two points inside the play-offs ahead of kick-off.