The Blues have now entered a hugely important January transfer window, one which will dictate whether they successfully fight against the drop for consecutive seasons.
And here are our Blues player ratings for the campaign so far…
21. Florian Bianchini - 4
Has shown effort and work-rate, including being prepared to track back from his wing position, but the Swansea loanee’s final ball has been absolutely atrocious. Whether that be in terms of finishing at Oxford United or crossing against Sheffield Wednesday. Has missed the last six matches through a knee issue, not that his ongoing absence has particularly been rued. Scheduled to be here for the season, although you do wonder if a way can be found to remove him this month. Photo: Paul Phelan
22. Josh Murphy - 7
(15 games, 0 goals) Unfortunately this is not the Josh Murphy of last season, impacted by hamstring injury and ankle ligament damage. It has frustratingly been stop-start, with Pompey’s best player missing nine games so far and failing to score when he has appeared. However, there have still been assists, with Hull, Blackburn and West Brom immediately springing to mind. And he is absolutely Pompey’s best chance of creating goals and a wonderful watch in full flow. Photo: Graham Hunt
23. Harvey Blair - 5
(7 games, 0 goals) Having been injured in the last game of the 2025-26 season, he started this term on the sidelines, only to return for two matches and get injured again. Now back, Blair has shown encouraging glimpses, including an excellent first half against QPR and one first-half run against Charlton. Needs to produce far more, but, in mitigation, he is still raw and learning at this level, so needs a little patience. Photo: Graham Hunt
24. Franco Umeh - NA
(1 game, 0 goals) Having arrived at Fratton Park from Crystal Palace with a hamstring injury, it took three-and-a-half months for Umeh to make his first-team entrance. A stoppage-time substitute against Charlton, he played a part in that dramatic winner, by taking away two defenders in an aerial battle to create the space for Yang to score in the 98th minute. That is all we have seen so far, with the attacker unused in three of his four matches so far. Photo: Graham Hunt