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Will Shrews v Blues be a battle of mean defences?

Kenny Jackett realises Pompey will have their work cut out breaking down a resolute Shrewsbury defence - but believes they have shown they are capable of living with League One's top teams.

The Shrews, managed by Paul Hurst, sit second in the table and have conceded only 14 goals in their 21 games so far - that's two let in in every three matches.

Pompey are in good form though and won at play-off chasing Charlton in their last away game. With the Blues keeping a number of clean sheets of late, it looks like one of those games where one goal could do it.

Jackett told the Pompey website: 'After this one we’ll have played everyone once and we’re looking forward to the game. Shrewsbury have done exceptionally well and are one of the teams above us in the table. Their goals against total is outstanding.

'But we’re on a good run at the moment and have to make sure that we capitalise on our strengths, while there are also things we need to add to our game. That will always be the case and we’ve worked hard on the training ground on things where we can do better.'

Oli Hawkins is available again for Pompey but Stuart O'Keeffe, Kal Naismith, Milan Lalkovic and Jack Whatmough are still out.

Pompey will be in the top six for Christmas if they draw or win and better Charlton's result.

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