How we think Pompey could line-up against Reading this evening.placeholder image
How we think Pompey could line-up against Reading this evening. | Getty Images

Predicted Portsmouth XI and bench v Reading: Wholesale changes and debuts expected for Carabao Cup first round contest

By Pepe Lacey
Published 12th Aug 2025, 11:30 GMT
Updated 12th Aug 2025, 11:59 GMT

Pompey are back in action this evening, with the action coming thick and fast for John Mousinho’s men.

The Blues will be looking to follow up Saturday’s 1-0 win against Oxford United with progression in the Carabao Cup against the Royals.

The two sides met in pre-season just over a fortnight ago, with Pompey running out 4-0 winners at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Mousinho is expected to make changes to the side from Saturday’s Championship curtain raiser, with fringe players set to be given a go this evening.

Here’s how we think the Blues could line-up against Noel Hunt’s League One side.

Your next Pompey read: Portsmouth v Reading: Early team and injury news as 7 out and 1 doubt for Carabao Cup first round contest

Bowat is back after his injury nightmares last term. Has featured towards the back-end of pre-season, with his first Blues outing coming against Reading over a fortnight ago.

5. CB: Ibane Bowat

Bowat is back after his injury nightmares last term. Has featured towards the back-end of pre-season, with his first Blues outing coming against Reading over a fortnight ago. Photo: Alex Shute

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Another welcome returnee to the squad. Farrell has overcome his injury woes but missed Saturday’s opener against Oxford, which Mousinho revealed was purely down to selection. The left-back will be hoping to make his first competitive outing since Sheffield United in September 2024.

6. LB: Jacob Farrell

Another welcome returnee to the squad. Farrell has overcome his injury woes but missed Saturday’s opener against Oxford, which Mousinho revealed was purely down to selection. The left-back will be hoping to make his first competitive outing since Sheffield United in September 2024. | Steve Bailey/ProSportsImages

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The most amount of questions will come in midfield. Dozzell didn’t put a foot wrong on Saturday and you’d think Mousinho would opt against starting Kosznovszky and Le Roux together for the first time.

7. CM: Andre Dozzell

The most amount of questions will come in midfield. Dozzell didn’t put a foot wrong on Saturday and you’d think Mousinho would opt against starting Kosznovszky and Le Roux together for the first time. | Alun Roberts/ProSportsImages

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The summer arrival was an unused substitute in Saturday’s win against Oxford and could be handed his first. It will be interesting to see who Mousinho’s favours in the engine room, with Kosznovszky and Le Roux still getting up to speed.

8. CM: Mark Kosznovszky

The summer arrival was an unused substitute in Saturday’s win against Oxford and could be handed his first. It will be interesting to see who Mousinho’s favours in the engine room, with Kosznovszky and Le Roux still getting up to speed. | Portsmouth FC

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