Bury v Portsmouth: EFL Trophy semi-final tips & betting preview

TV: Sky Sports Football/Main Event, 7.45pm Tuesday

The much-maligned EFL Trophy always gets more serious in the latter stages with a Wembley spot up for grabs when Bury host Portsmouth in a Gigg Lane semi-final.

It remains less of a priority than promotion and that is something both clubs are aiming for this term with Bury second in Sky Bet League Two and Portsmouth sitting fourth in League One, but the lure of a trip to the national stadium should never be sniffed at.

Pompey have tasted FA Cup final success at the venue so may be slightly more blase about the whole thing, although that was at a time when the squad had a different feel as a then Premier League outfit.

Bury have not been to Wembley since a playoff final defeat in 1995 so are gagging for a first trip to the ground since it was redeveloped with boss Ryan Lowe telling the Bury Times: "I've never been to Wembley before and I want to go. I've said to the lads that I want to take them to Wembley, for the style of football we're playing and for the hard work they've put in."

As the betting suggests, this should be a tight tussle and the draw could be the best option with penalties a firm possibility.

Lowe is right to be proud of the Shakers' swagger given they are the highest-scorers in League Two.

They are unbeaten in 12 and will believe Pompey are vulnerable after just one win in 11 in all competitions.

However, Kenny Jackett has a deep squad to select from and each of their last four matches and six of their last eight have been drawn.

Recommendation
Draw after 90 minutes
1pt 12-5 bet365

Bet on this game at Soccerbase.com

Team news
Bury
Scott Wharton is doubtful, while Stephen Dawson and Jermaine Beckford remain sidelined.

Portsmouth
Andy Cannon, Bryn Morris and Lloyd Isgrove are cup-tied. Nathan Thompson and Jack Whatmough are injured.

Key stat
Both teams have scored in Bury's last seven home matches.

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