![y](https://www.247sportsxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/y-339-678x381.jpg)
Portsmouth is set to face Cambridge United with the goal of maintaining their three-point lead at the summit of League One.
They are also eager to sustain their unbeaten record this season, bringing joy to the 1,400 traveling Fratton supporters on their midweek expedition to the Abbey Stadium.
On the injury front, Marlon Pack, Tom Lowery, and Anthony Scully are still unavailable, but Gavin Whyte is back in contention after missing the 1-0 victory against Carlisle on Saturday due to illness.
So, what should fans expect in terms of the lineup for the match against Cambridge? Here is our projection for how Portsmouth will set up tonight (kick-off at 7:45 pm).
- Portsmouth’s League One fixture tonight is against Cambridge United.
- Goalkeeper – Will Norris Will Norris reaffirmed his importance with a remarkable save against Carlisle, even though he had little to do for most of the game. He remains the undisputed No. 1.
- Right-back: Joe Rafferty Joe Rafferty, the former Preston player, has featured in 11 out of the Blues’ 13 league games this season. He is likely to continue in this role, unless head coach John Mousinho opts to rest him and turn to the patient Zak Swanson.
- Centre-back 1: Regan Poole Regan Poole, who was among Pompey’s notable summer signings, might now have a competition in his defensive partner, Conor Shaughnessy, for the title of the best summer signing. Both players are crucial to the team, so if Poole is fit, he is expected to start.
- Centre-back 2: Conor Shaughnessy Conor Shaughnessy, formerly with Burton, has made it challenging for Sean Raggett or Ryley Towler to break into the team. He continued his impressive start at Fratton Park with a second last-minute winner in three games against Carlisle on Saturday.
- Left-back: Connor Ogilvie Connor Ogilvie has been absent due to injury for the past six games but made a return to the bench against Carlisle. During his absence, Jack Sparkes has excelled, creating a selection dilemma for John Mousinho at left-back. While it might seem harsh to bench Sparkes, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Ogilvie return to the starting lineup, especially in anticipation of a tough defensive challenge away from home.
- Central midfield 1: Joe Morrell Joe Morrell plays a crucial role in the team, particularly with Marlon Park still sidelined due to injury. His experience and expertise will be essential for the upcoming match.
- Central midfield 2: Alex Robertson Considering that this is Alex Robertson’s debut season at the senior level, there might be a need to give him a break at some point. However, he continues to showcase his quality week after week, making it likely that his rest will have to wait.
- Right-wing: Paddy Lane Paddy Lane, the Northern Ireland international, had a relatively quiet game on Saturday, which was unexpected given his excellent form for Pompey since joining from Fleetwood in January. He is likely to be given an opportunity to redeem himself against Cambridge.
- No. 10: Tino Anjorin Tino Anjorin’s ability to complete a full 90 minutes remains uncertain, as he is still catching up with his fitness. This game will mark his second start in four days, so there will be discussions among the Blues coaching staff about his starting role. If he needs more time to recover, Christian Saydee is a capable substitute.
- Left-wing: Abu Kamara With Anthony Scully sidelined due to injury, Abu Kamara has been making the left-wing position his own. He had a quiet game against Carlisle, and Gavin Whyte might be considered if Mousinho believes the on-loan Norwich player requires a break.
- Centre-forward: Colby Bishop Colby Bishop is expected to start without any doubts.
- Sub 1: Ryan Schofield Ryan Schofield, formerly with Huddersfield, continues to provide backup for Will Norris.
- Sub 2: Sean Raggett Having a player of Sean Raggett’s caliber on the bench is a valuable asset, ready for action as needed.
- Sub 3: Jack Sparkes Jack Sparkes, despite his impressive performances in Ogilvie’s absence, will find himself on the bench, as the competition for the left-back position intensifies.
- Sub 4: Ben Stevenson Ben Stevenson’s experience from the bench could be beneficial, especially with Marlon Pack currently unavailable.
- Sub 5: Terry Devlin Terry Devlin makes the squad, providing additional midfield cover and bolstering the attacking options available to the team.
- Sub 6: Christian Saydee Christian Saydee is listed as a substitute, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he gets the nod over Anjorin.
- Sub 7: Kusini Yengi Kusini Yengi, the Australian player, continues to be an important attacking option from the bench, having received more playing time in the previous game against Carlisle.
Leave a Reply