The keeper was one of the few pluses to emerge from the defeat at Birmingham - despite conceding four goals. Is proving a reliable deputy for Nicolas Schmid.placeholder image
The keeper was one of the few pluses to emerge from the defeat at Birmingham - despite conceding four goals. Is proving a reliable deputy for Nicolas Schmid.

Portsmouth v Wrexham predicted starting XI & bench as John Mousinho keeps to word and makes 6 changes

By Mark McMahon
Published 5th Nov 2025, 13:48 BST

Pompey welcome Wrexham to Fratton Park tonight desperate to move away from the relegation zone after three defeats in a row

Starting XI changes are expected when Pompey take to the field against Wrexham in the Championship tonight.

Saturday’s 4-0 humbling at Birmingham - the Blues’ third defeat in a row - guarantees that. As does John Mousinho’s admission to The News in the build-up to this tasty fixture that he needs to react to such a poor showing at St Andrew’s.

But what does ‘changes’ look like as Pompey go in search of their first win since beating Middlesbrough back on October 4 and bid to avoid a third successive Fratton Park defeat in a row?

Will it be personnel only or will Mousinho be tempted to ditch his tried and trusted 4-2-3-1 formation for something can could help shore up the defence in Conor Shaughnessy’s continued absence and get the best out of Colby Bishop and Conor Chaplin up top?

We don’t have long to wait for find out exactly what the head coach has in mind. In the meantime, here’s how we think Pompey could line up against Phil Parkinson’s side.

For your next Pompey read: Boss of Portsmouth relegation rival makes 'can't come quick enough' remark as Sheffield United suffer 11th league defeat

Mousinho has a habit of chopping and changing his right-sided defenders. On that basis, Swanson earns a recall - while he might also be fresher for the demands of a wing-back role given this is Pompey's second game in five days.

5. Right-wing back: Zak Swanson

Mousinho has a habit of chopping and changing his right-sided defenders. On that basis, Swanson earns a recall - while he might also be fresher for the demands of a wing-back role given this is Pompey's second game in five days. Photo: Simon Roe

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The skipper keeps his place in the team despite a tough time at St Andrew's. His ability to pick a pass from deep will be key, especially if Ogilvie dares to venture forward from that defensive line when Pompey are in possession.

6. Central midfield 1: Marlon Pack

The skipper keeps his place in the team despite a tough time at St Andrew's. His ability to pick a pass from deep will be key, especially if Ogilvie dares to venture forward from that defensive line when Pompey are in possession. | Dennis Goodwin

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Struggled against Birmingham - but so too did the majority of Blues players beside him. A couple of weeks ago we were all hailing Dozzell's midfield presence. He hasn't become a bad player over night. We need to keep the faith.

7. Central midfield 2: Andre Dozzell

Struggled against Birmingham - but so too did the majority of Blues players beside him. A couple of weeks ago we were all hailing Dozzell's midfield presence. He hasn't become a bad player over night. We need to keep the faith. | Graham Hunt/ProSportsImages

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Needs to get back into the team and being Pompey's main attacking threat ASAP! Hopefully, he'll be doing more running forward than tracking back. Having complete faith in Ogilvie will help that.

8. Left wing-back: Josh Murphy

Needs to get back into the team and being Pompey's main attacking threat ASAP! Hopefully, he'll be doing more running forward than tracking back. Having complete faith in Ogilvie will help that. | Graham Hunt/ProSportsImages

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