What can Portsmouth supporters expect from Noel Hunt’s return to Fratton Park?
Portsmouth are looking forward to hosting League One side Reading in the Carabao Cup.
Former Pompey striker Noel Hunt is set to return to his old stomping ground as manager of the Royals, where he played 20 games as the Blues finished up as League Two champions in the 2016/17 season.
Portsmouth have endured a sharp rise up the English pyramid since and have now gotten off to a solid start to this season’s Championship with a 1-0 win over Oxford.
Reading have had back-to-back 2-0 defeats and are looking to find their feet again at Fratton Park on Tuesday (12 August).
Portsmouth to expect great mentality from Reading
John Mousinho is looking to carry on his team’s fine pre-season form into the League Cup tie with the Royals.
The Blues boss could make plenty of changes for the game, but will need to balance keeping players fit with the need for a cup run, which could be important financially.
Opposition boss Hunt inherited a ruined Reading side that had financially imposed restrictions of their own when he took charge in 2023.
The Royals have since found new owners and are back on the rise again, but they must get over the stumbling block of their poor form.
- Hunt has shown interest in former Pompey winger Matt Ritchie
- He still maintains a good relationship with the club
- The former Reading striker contributed to 64 goals during his time with the Royals
While Hunt only managed to score one goal during his time with the Blues, he offered leadership on and off the pitch, which he has carried into his managerial career.
Hunt gave a rally cry to former Portsmouth players in his squad recently, including Mark O’Mahony and Paddy Lane, who have been struggling for goals this season.
With the boss under early pressure this season, he has said that it’s “only a matter of time” before they start finding the back of the net.
Hunt to get one over on his former team
The Royals look set to play a strong side against Pompey after their setbacks in recent weeks.
In comparison, Mousinho could rest a few faces, with Colby Bishop notably having his injury struggles in recent weeks.
Pompey could take the opportunity to settle in a few of the new signings, and Thomas Waddingham could also get a run out.
Given that the Blues are set to weaken their starting XI, the Royals could put a stop to their fine summer.
It wouldn’t be all doom and gloom should Portsmouth get knocked out of the League Cup, as it would offer them an opportunity to focus on the league, but they still remain heavy favourites to progress.
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