View: Portsmouth predicted XI v Derby County – Moxon out in two changes
Portsmouth are likely to make two changes with the side that have earned back-to-back clean sheets when they take on Derby County this Friday.
The Blues moved out of the relegation zone for the first time since August on Tuesday night [10 December], playing out a goalless draw with Norwich City.
As John Mousinho’s men begin to find their groove in the Championship, they take on Paul Warne’s Derby – the side who joined them in the automatic promotion places of League One last season.
Pompey have now lost just one of their last six and are unbeaten in their last four, having earned clean sheets in each of their two recent matches.
Portsmouth predicted XI v Derby County (A)
Following Tuesday’s result at Fratton Park, Mousinho is anticipated to make two changes to his starting XI that faced Norwich.
Regan Poole sustained a hamstring issue in midweek which should see him consigned back to the sidelines for this one, with Tom McIntyre now seeing an ample opportunity to regain his place in the team longer-term. He will be expected to partner captain Marlon Pack in central defence.
Another player set to return to the XI is Andre Dozzell. The experienced midfield man missed the Canaries clash through suspension, having collected five yellow cards in the league this season.
Dozzell’s performances have improved in parallel to his side this term following a sluggish start to life on the South Coast. Owen Moxon filled in expertly against Norwich, but will likely drop back to the bench.
Elsewhere, Connor Ogilvie has shown a marked improvement in the past two games at left-back, and is beginning to repay Mousinho’s faith having previously faltered in several key moments.
Terry Devlin has made the right-back berth his own and has been a real shining light, potentially excusing his club from having to consider another January addition.
Callum Lang, Josh Murphy and Matt Ritchie have been integral in recent weeks, and their experience of the higher level is coming in very useful. Colby Bishop has two to his name since returning to action, and will be confident of netting at Pride Park – one he will look forward to as a boy from nearby Nottingham.
Nicolas Schmid will continue between the sticks having excelled with two clean sheets inside a week, while youngster Freddie Potts in the centre is undroppable following a series of assured displays to maintain control in the Pompey side.
In other Portsmouth news, I relive my first trip to Fratton Park on Boxing Day 2003.
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