The Blues take on a team that has won 10 of their last 11 trips to Fratton Park as they look to extend their winning streak to 27 League One games.
Given that John Mousinho was dealing with an injury and selection concerns prior to the game, it seems like something is off.
We anticipate him acting as follows when he greets Michael Appleton, the former Pompey manager, and his team at PO4.
1. GK: Will Norris
He found himself under the microscope for Chesterfield’s goal last weekend. It is debatable whether he should have stayed or come for the cross, but he he has always shown himself to be pro-active rather than reactive – and also has plenty of credit in the bank.
2. RB: Joe Rafferty
Arguably a tighter call than ever with Zak Swanson, after the former Arsenal man once again excelled against Leyton Orient on Tuesday night. The fact Swanson played that game does point to Rafferty starting this one, however.
3. CB: Sean Raggett
The red card against Leyton Orient means a competition specific suspension for Raggett – and the defender is available for Charlton. With Regan Poole out, Mousinho could shift Conor Shaughnessy over and play Ryley Towler – but a straight swap seems more likely.
4. CB: Conor Shaughnessy
Along with Joe Morrell, has to be the player performing at the highest level at present. The fact there’s an argument to say his form has surpassed even Regan Poole’s displays says it all.
The5. LB: Jack Sparkes
path remains clear for the assist king with Connor Ogilvie sidelined, but his form has been so good there’s every chance he’d be starting anyway
6. CM: Joe Morrell
Form has been so good and a pillar of consistency. Will have to relinquish the armband when Marlon Pack returns, but the leadership role remains.
7. CM: Alex Robertson
A wealth of possibilities here. Marlon Pack is set to be available for selection and could come back in, alternatively Ben Stevenson could start freeing Robertson to play further forward. We’re plumping for the impressive Aussie continuing alongside Morrell, however.
8. RW: Paddy Lane
Continued his impressive form this season early on in the FA Cup last weekend, before fading with the rest of his team mates. Has to be seen as the winger who’s impressed most so far this season.
9. ACM: Christian Saydee
Vying to start and continue his high-impact displays this season. Unlikely he’ll do the 90 minutes but could get an hour under his belt. Alternatively Robertson or Devlin could operate in the role with Saydee used as a second-half battering ram.
10. LW: Abu Kamara
A hard-working display from the Norwich loanee was rewarded with a goal on Tuesday night. Gavin Whyte impressed too, however, and is an alternative.
11. CF: Colby Bishop
Even with Saydee and Yengi in the building, the magic man is the first name on the team sheet. Nine goals to his name in the league and an example of how to lead the line is displayed every outing.
12. Sub 1: Ryan Schofield
Really encouraging display at Leyton Orient on Tuesday, but not likely to be enough to displace Pompey No1 Will Norris.
13. Sub 2: Zak Swanson
Another really impressive showing against Orient and has a strong case to say he should start. Undoubtedly got an important role to play this season.
14. Sub 3: Ryley Towler
So, so impressive on Tuesday night and the fact he took the captain’s armband when Sean Raggett was sent off says a lot – at the age of just 21, too. Could start alongside Shaughnessy in a rejig, but the bench most likely.
15. Sub 4: Terry Devlin
Has upped his involvement in recent weeks, but may be the time to sit back after a busy flurry of first-team activity.
16. Sub 5: Marlon Pack
The news of the skipper being back in training and available for selection has been a refreshing boost after injury setbacks. Seems sensible to ease him gently.
17. Sub 6: Gavin Whyte
Some real glimpses of Whyte’s capabilities against Orient on Tuesday night. Could well start on the left – or even in the 10 position.
18. Subs 7: Kusini Yengi
Confidence is flowing and had an Australia international call-up to lift his spirits further. Two assists on Tuesday and a potential gamechanger off the bench.
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