Here's how we think Pompey could line-up against QPR on Boxing Day.placeholder image
Here's how we think Pompey could line-up against QPR on Boxing Day. | Steve Mower/ProSportsImages

Portsmouth predicted XI and bench v QPR: John Mousinho faces tough fitness calls for Boxing Day showdown

By Pepe Lacey
Published 24th Dec 2025, 11:00 GMT

Pompey are back in action on Boxing Day as QPR make the trip to Fratton Park.

Pompey are back in action on Boxing day as they welcome high-flying QPR to Fratton Park.

The festive season is well and truly upon us, with the festive football coming thick and fast for the Blues.

John Mousinho’s men return to PO4 after last Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Derby County and are looking to end 2025 on a high note, with the Hoops and Charlton Athletic to come.

The head coach does, though, face a number of fitness calls, with Josh Murphy being withdrawn at Pride Park due to injury, while Zak Swanson and Ibane Bowat could return to the fray.

Here’s how we think Pompey could line-up against QPR for the Boxing Day showdown.

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Lang is in red hot form going into the Christmas period, scoring two goals in his previous two games. Back out on the right and is causing Championship defences all kinds of problems on the wing.

9. RM: Callum Lang

Lang is in red hot form going into the Christmas period, scoring two goals in his previous two games. Back out on the right and is causing Championship defences all kinds of problems on the wing. | Getty Images

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Adrian Segecic will no doubt be knocking at the door for a place in the side, with Chaplin struggling against Derby. The Ipswich loanee has been improving in recent weeks and will love to get a goal at Fratton to boost his confidence.

10. CAM: Conor Chaplin

Adrian Segecic will no doubt be knocking at the door for a place in the side, with Chaplin struggling against Derby. The Ipswich loanee has been improving in recent weeks and will love to get a goal at Fratton to boost his confidence. Photo: Stephen Flynn

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Murphy faces a late fitness call ahead of the Boxing Day contest, who has been rated 50/50 by Mousinho in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday. The winger came straight off at Pride Park after feeling his hamstring, which the head coach admitted was precautionary. Although late calls will be made, any chance of involvement for the winger who has registered six assists this term could see him in the side.

11. LM: Josh Murphy

Murphy faces a late fitness call ahead of the Boxing Day contest, who has been rated 50/50 by Mousinho in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday. The winger came straight off at Pride Park after feeling his hamstring, which the head coach admitted was precautionary. Although late calls will be made, any chance of involvement for the winger who has registered six assists this term could see him in the side. | Steve Mower/ProSportsImages

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The Magic Man has scored just once this term, which questions raised over his form. Bishop played a huge role in Pompey’s opener at Pride Park in a brilliant match-up with Dion Sanderson. A goal for the striker will do his confidence a world of good.

12. ST: Colby Bishop

The Magic Man has scored just once this term, which questions raised over his form. Bishop played a huge role in Pompey’s opener at Pride Park in a brilliant match-up with Dion Sanderson. A goal for the striker will do his confidence a world of good. | Paul Phelan/ProSportsImages

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