Adrian Segecic and Yang? Which players could make Portsmouth debut v Oxford United?
Portsmouth’s Championship opener with Oxford United is now right around the corner, and John Mousinho’s side have had plenty of preparation.
The Blues have played six preseason friendlies, winning five and drawing the other, and have made plenty of progress on and off the pitch.
Mousinho has brought in the likes of John Swift and Mark Kosznovszky to bolster his midfield and has added more threat on the wings.
All eyes will now be on the clash with Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday (9 August), and the lineup for the fixture could give Pompey fans more of a sense of how much more business needs to be done before the end of the transfer window.
Yang Min-hyeok and Adrian Segecic could be joined by other debutants
Portsmouth’s business for now seems to have concluded, with Mousinho happy with his options in defence and midfield, despite losing Ryley Towler and Rob Atkinson.
The Blues are likely to be without Colby Bishop against Oxford United after he picked up an injury, and despite the need for a striker, Mousinho will wait for Premier League clubs to make forwards available on loan.
Yang Min-Hyeok was the latest Pompey arrival, signing on loan from Tottenham, and the South Korean could make his debut against Oxford, given how short Pompey are up front.
- Swift is likely to feature against the O’s
- He is likely to be joined by Kosznovszky in a new-look midfield
- Florian Bianchini is expected to help out in the attack
The 19-year-old is unlikely to start given that he hasn’t had a full preseason. However, he could come on later in the game as a possible impact substitute.
Aussie newcomer Adrian Segecic has impressed during preseason, and he is expected to make his competitive debut.
The jury has been out on a few Australians Pompey have signed in recent seasons, so he will be hoping to get off to a solid start to life in the Championship.
Waddingham has a huge chance v Oxford
Given Mousinho’s dilemma up front, it is likely that Waddingham will start against the O’s.
| Player | Age |
| Bishop | 28 |
| Waddinham | 20 |
The youngster has impressed during his first preseason on the south coast and bagged a goal against Zwolle.
Bishop is likely to reclaim his starting position upon his return. Therefore, the Oxford United game is a huge opportunity for Waddingham to earn his place in the side.
Should he show what he is capable of, the 20-year-old could disrupt Mousinho’s plans to sign another striker.
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