Accrington Stanley vs Portsmouth - Accrington wait on Ross Etheridge red card appeal

Accrington are hopeful goalkeeper Ross Etheridge will face Portsmouth despite his dismissal at the weekend.

Etheridge was sent off on Saturday in Stanley's draw with AFC Wimbledon for handling outside of his area, but John Coleman's side are appealing the decision.

Midfielder Josh Windass (hernia) has not played since January 2, yet he is expected to return on Saturday against Plymouth, while Dean Winnard (ankle) will be back by the end of the month.

Defender Joe Wright (knee) is not expected to feature again until the end of April at the earliest.

Portsmouth manager Paul Cook plans to freshen up his side for the long trip north.

Nine-goal midfielder Conor Chaplin was an unused substitute for Saturday's win at Stevenage after a minor injury worry in the previous match but could come back into contention.

Cook has a number of attacking options with striker Adam McGurk not making the squad for the last three matches.

Fellow forward Michael Smith came off the bench at the weekend after returning from injury to give Cook another alternative.