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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17. SUB 5: Terry Devlin
The versatile defender can operate at right-back or in midfield and will be looking to impress in the Championship once again next term. Photo: Jason Brown
18. SUB 6: Marlon Pack
The skipper will be vying for a spot in the starting XI, although Pompey are still looking to add to the engine room. | Jason Brown/ProSportsImages
19. SUB 7: Harvey Blair
Ended last term strong despite a tough maiden campaign on the south coast. Will be intriguing to see if he features more next season. | Jason Brown/ProSportsImages
20. SUB 8: Paddy Lane
Mousinho has challenged Lane to thrive in the Championship next season and will no doubt be chomping at the bit to feature having been out since January. | Jason Brown/ProSportsImages