There is less than a month to go until Pompey’s opening game of the 2025-26 Championship campaign against Oxford United.
With the clock ticking down to the curtain raiser at the Kassam Stadium on August 9, the Blues’ preparations for the new season are set to ramp up this week.
Following their week-long training camp in Slovakia, John Mousinho’s men play their first pre-season friendly on Tuesday evening against Woking before facing Farnborough 24 hours later.
That will provide plenty of valuable minutes for the squad, with the likes of Hayden Matthews, Jacob Farrell, Jordan Williams and Paddy Lane all returning from injury.
It will also be the first opportunity to catch new signing Adrian Segecic in action following his arrival from Sydney FC. Meanwhile, John Swift is set to be announced as the Blues’ second summer signing, with a move imminent.
With under four weeks to go until the new season gets underway, we’ve put together what Pompey’s best starting XI and bench could look like.
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5. CB: Regan Poole
The duo never appeared alongside each other in the Championship last season and last partnered together in November 2023. The competition at centre-back is also strong with the returning Hayden Matthews and Ibane Bowat. Photo: Jason Brown
6. LB: Connor Ogilvie
Ogilvie was superb in the Championship last term, stepping up to the mark and silencing any doubters. There will be a tough battle with Jacob Farrell, though, who is aiming to return to match day squad after injury issues. Photo: Jason Brown
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7. CM: John Swift
Pompey are poised to announce the signing of the midfielder, with a medical already complete. The Blues needed to strengthen in the engine room and he fits the bill - adding valuable Championship experience. | Getty Images
8. CM: Andre Dozzell
After a difficult start to life at Pompey, Dozzell impressed in the middle of the park which saw him rewarded with fresh terms at the end of last term. | Jason Brown