Portsmouth vs Reading preview: Team news, likely lineups and score prediction
Portsmouth take on Reading in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.
The competition is unlikely to be treated as a huge priority by either team, but this could still prove to be a useful game for both managers.
It’s believed that Pompey boss John Mousinho will use this game to give minutes to some of his new signings and players who have recovered from lengthy injury lay-offs.
Meanwhile, Reading manager Noel Hunt will be hoping for a confidence-boosting performance after his side lost their opening two games in League One.
Below, Pompey News explores the team news for both sides and offers a prediction for the game.
Le Roux and Kosznovzsky expected to be handed debuts
Portsmouth won their opening Championship game 1-0 away at Oxford on Saturday, but club insiders have been heard speculating that Mousinho would make 11 changes for this match.
New signings Luke Le Roux and Mark Kosznovszky should be handed their debuts, while the likes of Jacob Farrell, Ibane Bowat and Hayden Matthews could also feature.
Predicted Portsmouth XI: Killip, Swanson, Matthews, Bowat, Farrell, Le Roux, Kosznovszky, Yang, Devlin, Bianchini, Waddingham
Reading may field a stronger team in a bid to build confidence and get their season off and running.
That would mean a return to Fratton Park for Paddy Lane, who the Royals bought from Portsmouth in July.
Mark O’Mahony, who was on loan at Portsmouth last season, has now been loaned by Reading and could start up front.
Charlie Savage, linked with a transfer to Pompey this summer, could feature in midfield.
Predicted Reading XI: Pereira, Abrefa, Stickland, Burns, Jacob, Fraser, Elliott, Savage, Lane, O’Mahony, Kyerewaa
Prediction: Portsmouth 3-2 Reading
Portsmouth conceded no goals in pre-season or in their opening Championship match. They beat Reading 4-0 in a friendly just over two weeks ago.
Still, Reading will likely come to Fratton Park and give it a real go in this match.
| Date | Opponent | Score |
| 2 August | Lincoln (A) | Lost 2-0 |
| 9 August | Huddersfield (H) | Lost 2-0 |
With a much-changed line-up expected for the home side, the League One side could score a couple of goals if they’re firing on all cylinders.
Even if they do, Pompey’s reserves should still have enough to give the fans a victory in their first home match of the season.
We fancy Waddingham, Yang and Bianchini to each help themselves to a goal.
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