How we think Pompey could line-up against Derby County this evening. placeholder image
How we think Pompey could line-up against Derby County this evening. | Graham Hunt/ProSportsImages

Portsmouth predicted XI and bench v Derby County: 2 changes with tough calls to be made

By Pepe Lacey
Published 16th Mar 2026, 13:35 GMT
Updated 16th Mar 2026, 13:45 GMT

Pompey welcome play-off chasing Derby County to Fratton Park this evening.

Pompey’s Championship run-in commences this evening as they welcome Derby County to Fratton Park.

The Blues will be looking for a much-needed return to winning ways and head into tonight’s showdown without maximum points in any of their previous four league matches.

This has seen their advantage over the relegation zone slip in recent weeks, with just one point now separating themselves and the bottom three.

The Rams, meanwhile, visit the south coast occupying eighth position in the standings, with a win at PO4 closing the gap on the play-offs.

John Mousinho is expected to welcome back both Regan Poole and Conor Shaughnessy this evening, but will still be without 10 members of his squad due to injury.

Here’s how we think the Blues could line-up under the lights at Fratton.

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Competition at the heart of defence is strong, with both Poole and Shaughnessy returning from injury. Ogilvie, though, is very-much holding his own in the backline and has been a consistent performer in recent weeks.

5. CB: Connor Ogilvie

Competition at the heart of defence is strong, with both Poole and Shaughnessy returning from injury. Ogilvie, though, is very-much holding his own in the backline and has been a consistent performer in recent weeks. | Simon Roe/ProSportsImages

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Despite a slow start against Swansea, Swanson was a re-energised figure after the break, which also saw him put in a brilliant delivery for Jacob Brown's goal. Made the position his own, with Ogilvie slotting in at the heart of the backline.

6. LB: Zak Swanson

Despite a slow start against Swansea, Swanson was a re-energised figure after the break, which also saw him put in a brilliant delivery for Jacob Brown's goal. Made the position his own, with Ogilvie slotting in at the heart of the backline. | Stephen Flynn/ProSportsImages

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Pack has formed a strong relationship with Ebou Adams in the engine room and has started the Blues' previous six matches. The ever-reliable figure will once again retain his spot in the heart of the pitch.

7. CM: Marlon Pack

Pack has formed a strong relationship with Ebou Adams in the engine room and has started the Blues' previous six matches. The ever-reliable figure will once again retain his spot in the heart of the pitch. | Simon Roe/ProSportsImages

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Adams lines up against his former side for the first time since his January move from Pride Park. The all-action performer has been in the wars in recent weeks, but has maintained his high-level displays alongside Pack in the engine room. The Gambia international has to steer clear of a yellow card tonight to avoid a two-match ban.

8. CM: Ebou Adams

Adams lines up against his former side for the first time since his January move from Pride Park. The all-action performer has been in the wars in recent weeks, but has maintained his high-level displays alongside Pack in the engine room. The Gambia international has to steer clear of a yellow card tonight to avoid a two-match ban. | Stephen Flynn/ProSportsImages

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