Pompey strike duo out to blunt Blades

Michael Appleton hopes the potent strike pair of Izale McLeod and on-loan Wes Thomas return to the goal trail at Sheffield United.

The pair had a rare off-night in Tuesday's 2-1 defeat at promotion hopefuls Stevenage but will get the nod against the Blades. Left-back Carl Dickinson is expected to retain his place after making his second debut for Pompey in Tuesday's loss after arriving on loan from Watford. Adam Webster is back in contention after missing the Stevenage clash after being called up to the England Under-18 squad to face Italy on Wednesday. Appleton is unable to call upon teenager Jordan Obita, with the on-loan forward having been recalled by Reading this week after two months at Fratton Park. And Darel Russell is still struggling with the hamstring injury that has forced him to miss Pompey's last six matches. Appleton is weighing up sending out fringe players on loan in a bid to increase his squad options. As it stands, Pompey are at the maximum 20-player limit imposed on them by the Football League for being in administration.