Portsmouth one of League One’s early pacesetters…but slight stutter heading into Charlton Athletic contest

Portsmouth head to The Valley on Monday night as one of the division’s early pacesetters but suffering a slight stutter.

Danny Cowley’s side had won six matches in a row as part of a nine-game unbeaten run at the start of the season – a sequence which equalled the opening made by Harry Redknapp’s 2002-03 First Division promotion winners.

But a 2-2 draw at home to fellow high-fliers Plymouth was followed by a first reverse, 3-2 at promotion favourites Ipswich Town, and most recently a 1-1 draw against Fleetwood Town at Fratton Park.

Louis Thompson (broken leg) has been out since August with fellow midfielder Tom Lowery struggling to return from a hamstring injury.

Right-back Joe Rafferty, signed on a free from Preston North End in July, has had surgery on his groin.

Portsmouth were able to move more aggressively in the summer after player exits such as John Marquis freed up funds with Cowley bringing in 12 new faces.

The sale of Marcus Harness to Ipswich for £750,000 paved the way for the £500,000 signing of striker Colby Bishop from Accrington.

Cowley also persuaded the board to shift money ring-fenced for transfer fees to the wagebill.

Marlon Pack, picked up on a free transfer after his exit from Cardiff, has been Portsmouth’s leading light.

The 31-year-old had been a target for Derby County but the delay in them exiting administration saw the former Bristol City midfielder opt for the South Coast. Portsmouth’s loan move for Dane Scarlett has also been a success story.

While Arsenal’s Miguel Azeez struggled with the physicality of League One football last season, Scarlett, pictured, has made the jump from Premier League development football.

The England U20 international has scored four goals, all coming in a three-game spell.

“He is a really talented boy and has got a fantastic work ethic,” said Cowley in September. “He can be whatever he wants to be and there is no ceiling on what he can achieve. It is a privilege every morning to wake up and work with him.”

Charlton have won five of their last seven fixtures against Pompey with only one defeat.

Josh Davison’s 87th-minute goal secured a 2-2 draw in the corresponding fixture last season.