There might not be too many survivors in Pompey's team from the line-up who lost 4-0 at AFC Wimbledon 16 months ago, but many of fans making the trip to South London may still feel the Blues have a wrong to right this weekend.

That reverse was a low point of the first season in League Two and went a long way to costing Guy Whittingham his job, and Pompey could do with turning in a wholly better display this time.

This season's Pompey side did slip to a poor home defeat to the Dons on Boxing Day but in fairness to today's team, there have been plenty more good days than bad in the past couple of months - yet Tuesday's frustrating home draw with Cheltenham has, in the eyes of most, put paid to any serious hopes the Blues will make the play-offs this season.

They go to face the Dons with a new-look defence after recruiting Nyron Nosworthy and QPR youngster Cole Kpekawa to cover injuries to Paul Robinson and Jack Whatmough.

And they may need both if, as expected, Andy Awford wants to stick with the wing-back system that has served Pompey well of late.

Awford said: 'We’ll play 3-5-2 — it’s as simple as that. To change it isn’t for me. I’m 99-per-cent sure that’s what we’ll play. Of course you think about it but I’m quite bullish about continuing with it — because it’s worked.

‘We’ve been solid and the performances have been good. Everyone knows their roles and responsibilities.’

The form of Matt Tubbs and Ryan Taylor has done more than anything to improve Pompey's form and Awford is full of praise for them.

He told the official website: 'A certain Mr Tubbs scored against us then (when Wimbledon won at Fratton on Boxing Day). We often talk about players going back to their old club and getting a goal, so hopefully that will happen for us this weekend.

'I’m sure he’ll get a decent reception because he did very for them and now he’s doing very well for us. He and Ryan Taylor look sharp and confident — they’ve certainly come up with the goods. We look threatening every time we attack.

'We missed an opportunity by drawing with Cheltenham on Tuesday, but if we win this weekend then everything looks rosy again.'

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