Middlesbrough defender Julio Arca limped out of the midweek defeat at Derby with a groin problem and is a major doubt for Saturday's match.But midfielder Kevin Thomson has a chance of making the squad, having returned to training following his recovery from a fractured fibula.
Portsmouth are still without Hermann Hreidarsson, who remains sidelined with an Achilles injury.
Richard Hughes is back in the squad after serving a suspension.
MATCH PREVIEW
Portsmouth seem to have turned the corner. After a dismal start to their season, back-to-back home wins have lifted their morale and suggested they are more than capable of continuing to climb the table.
Boss Steve Cotterill will now want them to improve their poor away form, having scored only once and failed to pick up a point in their four away matches so far.
Middlesbrough, on the other hand, have suffered two successive away defeats and will be relieved to return to the Riverside Stadium, where they have enjoyed three consecutive victories.
Five of Pompey's last visits to Teesside have ended in draws, and they have lost only one of their last seven away matches against Boro, who they will leapfrog in the table if they win Saturday's game.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
• These clubs have met 100 times in the league. Middlesbrough have won 39 of the previous matches and Portsmouth 36, with 25 drawn.
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Middlesbrough
• Boro are averaging a goal per game, having scored a total of nine in their nine league matches so far.
• Only Reading have been fouled more often in Championship matches this season than Boro, who have had 116 fouls committed against them.
• Gary O'Neil could make his 250th career league start.
Portsmouth
• Pompey have lost their five away league games, and a defeat on Saturday would make it their longest losing run away from home since suffering nine in a row in March 2006.
• Defender Ibrahima Sonko could make his 250th club career start.
Source: BBC Sport
Source: BBC Sport