Tough conditions from Storm Darragh are expected to greet both teams as they do battle for crucial Championship points. But it’s unlikely Blues head coach John Mousinho will cook up a storm himself with his latest team selection.
A combination of improving form and a still sizeable injury list means he’s less likely to change things up, with the week between the Robins and Swansea games helping him out in that respect, too.
The Blues will likely welcome back Zak Swanson for the Bristol City fixture - but will he start? Callum Lang runs the risk of a ban if he picks up another yellow card against the Robins. Does that come into Mousinho’s thinking as he looks to secure all three points against Liam Manning’s side?
Time will tell, In the meantime, here’s how we think Pompey will line up against a Robins side sitting 11th in the table and buoyed by their 4-0 thumping of Plymouth last time out.
5. Centre-back 2: Marlon Pack
The Blues defender has settled into his new make-shift role in the Pompey backline like a duck to water. His reading of the game and ability to play out from the back makes him an ideal choice to continue there. | National World
6. Left-back: Connor Ogilvie
The defender is steadily improving in the Championship, despite unfortunate own goal against Swansea. Jacob Farrell's ongoing injuries issues means Pompey lack depth there and proper competition. It makes you wonder whether left-back could be a priority position in January. | National World
7. Centre mkidfield 1: Freddie Potts
The on-loan West Ham midfielder has started all of Pompey's past 11 games as he continues to make a goos impression at Fratton Park. A steadying influence in the middle of the park, but you suspect there's still more to come from the 21-year-old. | National World
8. Centre-midfield 2: Andre Dozzell
The midfielder always puts in a shift for Pompey with his work also often going unnoticed. Midfield remains an area John Mousinho will likely want to strengthen during the January transfer window. Until then, though, Dozzell continues to start as the likes of Owen Moxon and Abdoulaye Kamara remain on the fringes. | National World