Portsmouth v Morecambe preview

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Marcos Painter is set to make his Pompey debut this weekend.

The defender, who this week signed for Pompey on a free transfer after leaving Brighton earlier this summer, is expected to replace Danny East at left-back.

East could move into his preferred position in midfield, where skipper Johnny Ertl is still absent as he completes a three-match ban following his opening-day red card.

Boss Guy Whittingham is otherwise likely to stick with the side which earned Pompey’s first point of the season in a 2-2 draw at Accrington last Saturday.

The Shrimps could see the return of four players from injury when they make the trip South East.

Chris McGready and Marcus Marshall just missed out on last week’s home draw with Torquay while Kevin Ellison was a little behind in his expected recovery time.

Defender Robbie Threlfall may also come into contention as he recovers from a thigh injury but last year’s top scorer Jack Redshaw continues to be a long-term absentee with a hip problem.

The Shrimps make the long journey south to play Pompey for the first time in league history and both teams will be keen to kickstart their season with a first three points.