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.
9. Attacking midfield 1 (right): Conor Chaplin
The Ipswich loanee was dropped for the game at Birmingham as he struggles to find his best form. That right-central attacking area, we're told, is the academy product's favoured position. A change in system - and bringing him infield more - could unlock what we all know Chaplin can produce. | The News
10. Attacking midfielder 2: John Swift
Swift gets the nod to start over Minyeok Yang as he's shown enough in recent games that he can be a threat when playing in an advanced role. Yang, too, might just need a breather after a run of consecutive starts. | The News
11. Centre-forward: Colby Bishop
We all know Bishop has had his troubles this season - and few could argue against him taking his place on the bench against Birmingham last time out. However, here's hoping that's the wake-up call he needed. Photo: Graham Hunt
