Portsmouth v Blackburn: Six players ruled out for Valerien Ismael’s side
Portsmouth are set to take on Blackburn Rovers in the EFL Championship at home on Saturday.
Valerien Ismael will welcome three players back from injury but will have six players still unavailable for the game at Fratton Park.
Pompey go into this contest in 17th place and are still in some danger of getting relegated.
Emmanuel Dennis and Andi Weimann are among the six absentees for Blackburn
Ismael’s side are set to regain key players Owen Beck, Danny Batth and Ryan Hedges for their upcoming Championship clash against Portsmouth, following a timely international break.
The trio’s return bolsters Rovers’ squad depth, offering experience and dynamism for the long trip south.
Harry Pickering, sidelined for four months, will also step up his recovery with an Under-21s outing on Saturday, signaling his imminent return.
| Portsmouth next four fixtures | Home or away |
| Blackburn | Home |
| Millwall | Away |
| Coventry | Away |
| Derby | Home |
With no new injuries, Rovers are in a stronger position, though Scott Wharton, Callum Brittain, Augustus Kargbo, Harry Leonard, Emmanuel Dennis and Andi Weimann are ruled out, he confirmed to the club’s official site.
Ismael hopes this marks a turning point, aiming to attack the season’s final stretch, starting with Portsmouth.
John Mousinho must capitalise on the absentees to secure a win for Portsmouth
John Mousinho’s side faces a revitalised Blackburn Rovers and securing a Portsmouth win demands precision.
He will look to exploit Rovers’ lingering injury absences – Wharton and Brittain’s unavailability weakens their defence.
Targeting these gaps with pacey wingers like Paddy Lane could stretch Blackburn’s backline.
Mousinho needs to neutralise the returning trio’s impact as Batth’s experience requires tight marking, while Beck and Hedges’ energy must be stifled through disciplined midfield pressing.
Colby Bishop could be the one to disrupt their rhythm.
Portsmouth’s home advantage at Fratton Park is key, so an aggressive start to unsettle Rovers’ travel-weary legs is essential.
Defensively, Mousinho should drill his unit to handle Rovers’ likely counter-attacks, given Ismael’s preference for intensity.