Portsmouth v PEC Zwolle preview: Team news, lineups, prediction
Portsmouth face PEC Zwolle on Saturday in their final pre-season friendly before the Championship begins.
John Mousinho will be pleased with what he has seen from his squad ahead of the new campaign, with Pompey winning three of their five matches.
However, on 2 August, Portsmouth face their biggest test so far, with Eredivisie side PEC Zwolle travelling to Fratton Park.
As a result, Pompey News has highlighted everything you need to know ahead of the game.
Preview
Portsmouth drew 0-0 against Havant and Waterlooville midweek.
While it was not the best result, it was yet another match that no doubt increased sharpness throughout the squad.
| Portsmouth’s pre-season results so far |
| Woking 0-2 Portsmouth |
| Farnborough 0-5 Portsmouth |
| Crawley Town 1-0 Portsmouth |
| Reading 0-4 Portsmouth |
| Havant and Waterlooville 0-0 Portsmouth |
In comparison, PEC Zwolle have endured a tougher pre-season and lost 5-0 to Spanish side Rayo Vallecano last weekend.
This is also the Dutch outfit’s final game before their campaign begins.
Form
Portsmouth: WWLWD
PEC Zwolle: WLWL
Team news
Ibane Bowat and Conor Shaughnessy both made their returns to the field against Reading and could play a part in the friendly on Saturday.
Florian Bianchini may also make an appearance after signing for Pompey on Thursday (31 July).
However, Jacob Farrell is still sidelined ahead of the clash and is not expected back anytime soon.
For PEC, Odysseus Velanas is expected to be unavailable for the clash after picking up an injury in June.
Predicted lineups
Portsmouth: Schmid, Williams, Poole, Shaughnessy, Oglivie, Le Roux, Kosznovszky, Lang, Segecic, Murphy
PEC Zwolle: Schendelaar, Garcia McNulty, Jensen, Aertssen, Floranus, Lagsir, Monteiro, Thomas, Mbayo, Kostons, de Rooij
Prediction: Portsmouth 1-0 PEC Zwolle
Given the two sides’ contrasting form coming into the game, Portsmouth will feel confident that they can get a result against their Dutch counterparts.
It will no doubt be a tough clash and a perfect test for Pompey before the Oxford United game next weekend.
As a result, a tight 1-0 scoreline is predicted, with the game going in favour of the hosts.
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