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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Pompey’s 49 had led the line for Pompey in the past two games. but struggled to make any real impact in the number nine role. However, the popular forward came to life in the second half against Blackburn on the right wing. That is where we’re likely to see Lang at Pride Park.

9. RM: Callum Lang

Pompey’s 49 had led the line for Pompey in the past two games. but struggled to make any real impact in the number nine role. However, the popular forward came to life in the second half against Blackburn on the right wing. That is where we’re likely to see Lang at Pride Park. | Garaham Hunt

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The Ipswich loanee put in arguably his best performance in a Pompey shirt last week, which also saw him register his first goal contribution for the Blues. Chaplin looks to be coming to life in his more natural number 10 role. Pompey’s frontline, which ended the 2-1 triumph against Blackburn, did look a formidable force going forward.

10. CAM: Conor Chaplin

The Ipswich loanee put in arguably his best performance in a Pompey shirt last week, which also saw him register his first goal contribution for the Blues. Chaplin looks to be coming to life in his more natural number 10 role. Pompey’s frontline, which ended the 2-1 triumph against Blackburn, did look a formidable force going forward. | Steve Bailey/ProSportsImages

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Assist number five of the campaign for Murphy last time out and is a valuable asset for Mousinho’s men going forward. If Pompey can get him going at Pride Park then he can become a real danger to the Rams’ defence.

11. LM: Josh Murphy

Assist number five of the campaign for Murphy last time out and is a valuable asset for Mousinho’s men going forward. If Pompey can get him going at Pride Park then he can become a real danger to the Rams’ defence. | Graham Hunt/ProSportsImages

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The Magic Man turned the game off the bench again Rovers, which could see him recalled to the starting lineup for the first time in three weeks. With Murphy, Chaplin and Lang in behind, Bishop could be a rejuvenated figure going into the festive period. The striker has scored just once this term and a goal would do him the world of good.

12. ST: Colby Bishop

The Magic Man turned the game off the bench again Rovers, which could see him recalled to the starting lineup for the first time in three weeks. With Murphy, Chaplin and Lang in behind, Bishop could be a rejuvenated figure going into the festive period. The striker has scored just once this term and a goal would do him the world of good. | Simon Davies/ProSportsImages

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