Here's how we think Pompey could line-up against Derby County on Saturday.placeholder image
Here's how we think Pompey could line-up against Derby County on Saturday. | Graham Hunt/ProSportsImages

Portsmouth predicted XI and bench v Derby County: 3 changes made as John Mousinho faces tough calls

By Pepe Lacey
Published 19th Dec 2025, 11:00 BST

Pompey’s festive action gets underway against Derby County on Saturday. Here’s how we think the Blues could lineup.

Pompey begin a difficult run of games on Saturday, with the trip to Derby County the beginning of four games in 12 days for the Blues.

John Mousinho’s men will be aiming to pick up successive Championship victories for the first time this season following last weekend’s triumph over Blackburn Rovers.

Standing in their way of maximum points is John Eustace’s side, who currently sit 12th in the standings after Monday’s 3-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday.

With the congested festive period set to get underway, here’s how we think Pompey could lineup at Pride Park on Saturday.

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Mousinho has admitted it’s not as straightforward for Poole to come straight back into the side following Matthews' and Ibane Bowat’s displays in his absence. The 27-year-old had, though, played every minute for the Blues up until his injury, which has seen him stand out above the rest in the opening months of the campaign. His versatility could give him the nod, although the head coach will have a tough call to make after Bowat's winner last time out.

5. CB: Regan Poole

Mousinho has admitted it’s not as straightforward for Poole to come straight back into the side following Matthews' and Ibane Bowat’s displays in his absence. The 27-year-old had, though, played every minute for the Blues up until his injury, which has seen him stand out above the rest in the opening months of the campaign. His versatility could give him the nod, although the head coach will have a tough call to make after Bowat's winner last time out. | Graham Hunt/ProSportsImages

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Like Devlin, Swanson is slowly solidifying himself as a regular fixture in Mousinho’s starting lineup. In Connor Ogilvie’s place, the versatile full-back has been outstanding in his new makeshift role at left-back.

6. LB: Zak Swanson

Like Devlin, Swanson is slowly solidifying himself as a regular fixture in Mousinho’s starting lineup. In Connor Ogilvie’s place, the versatile full-back has been outstanding in his new makeshift role at left-back. | Iconic Media

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Back in the side last week after serving his suspension after picking up five yellow cards in the opening 18 games. Bar his one-game ban, Dozzell has started 19 of Pompey’s 20 Championship contests so far and has been a standout performer.

7. CM: Andre Dozzell

Back in the side last week after serving his suspension after picking up five yellow cards in the opening 18 games. Bar his one-game ban, Dozzell has started 19 of Pompey’s 20 Championship contests so far and has been a standout performer. | Iconic Media

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The Hungarian looked promising from the bench against Blackburn and made an impact alongside Dozzell in the engine room. There are glimpses of what the midfielder can do and, having found his best position in the side, could see him come back into the starting XI.

8. CM: Mark Kosznovszky

The Hungarian looked promising from the bench against Blackburn and made an impact alongside Dozzell in the engine room. There are glimpses of what the midfielder can do and, having found his best position in the side, could see him come back into the starting XI. | None

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