Bury host Portsmouth at Gigg Lane on Saturday in one of the picks of the day's League Two fixtures. The Shakers come into the tie on the back of a second straight away league loss that saw them surrender top spot last weekend. Pompey on the other hand are on a run of four straight league draws which currently sees them lie in mid-table.
Since defeating Burton Albion at Gigg Lane back in September, the Shakers have led the league twice only to fall off the summit after losses at Exeter City and AFC Wimbledon. David Flitcroft's side trail the top two, Wycombe Wanderers & Burton Albion, by two points and will be hoping a home victory this weekend can see them return to top spot. Bury's home form gives them confidence that they can return to winning ways as they are undefeated at Gigg Lane since losing to Cheltenham Town on the opening day of the season.
Shakers boss Flitcroft could be tempted into changes due to two losses in their last three league games but ever league presents Pablo Mills, Nicky Adams and Ryan Lowe should provide the base for an impressive looking Bury team this campaign. Striker Danny Rose and midfielder Andrew Tutte would be two hoping for a recall if there are changes for the promotion placed outfit.
Portsmouth will look to extend their unbeaten league run to six games and are on a run of four straight draws. Their last outing saw them salvage a point at Fratton Park against Mansfield in an uninspiring encounter. Pompey boss Andy Awford will not be able to call upon Jack Whatmough in the defence because of injury but Paul Robinson and Joe Devera could continue - alongside returning captain Ben Chorley - in a back line that has only shipped nine goals in twelve league games this season. If selected, strikers Ryan Taylor and Craig Westcarr will be aiming to add to Portsmouth's lowly eleven goal league tally and not leave the responsibility to top scoring midfielder Jed Wallace.
The south coast outfit had the better of the league meetings between these two sides last season, as they registered a 1-0 home victory at Fratton Park and struck twice late on to salvage a point in a pulsating 4-4 draw at Gigg Lane. Both managers will want to avoid leaking so many goals this time out, but Shakers boss Flitcroft will be confident his team can register another home win in Bury's continued pursuit of League Two promotion.