(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)
Match

Conor Chaplin returns in three changes - Portsmouth predicted XI vs Watford 

Jack Dawson
Jack Dawson

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

Published on: 

Portsmouth are set to take on Watford on Wednesday as they look to return to winning ways.

Pompey have now suffered back-to-back defeats in the Championship, with Portsmouth losing 2-1 to Ipswich on the weekend.

Now, John Mousinho’s side return to Fratton Park, where they take on an equally struggling Watford outfit.

With Pompey getting closer and closer to the drop zone, three points could prove to be vital before the international break.

As a result, Pompey News has predicted how Portsmouth will line up in their upcoming fixture. 

John Mousinho in Portsmouth jacket during pre-season fixture against Reading
John Mousinho will be expected to pick up a resulted against Watford (Credit: Imago)

Conor Chaplin set to make return to Portsmouth lineup

While the performance versus Ipswich was poor on Saturday, Mousinho is unlikely to make wide-scale changes.

Remaining in goal is Josef Bursik after the keeper came into the lineup for Ben Killip.

In front of the deadline day signing, the backline remains the same, with Zak Swanson and Connor Ogilvie keeping their spot as the full-backs and Josh Knight and Regan Poole staying as the centre-back partnership.

Into midfield, and Marlon Pack comes into the side after his fantastic performance against Ipswich.

  • Pack scored a late goal for Portsmouth against Ipswich
  • The midfielder was brought on to change the game against the Tractor Boys
  • However, the captain was arguably Pompey's best player despite his short time on the pitch

The captain will likely partner with Andre Dozzell in the middle of the park. 

Conor Chaplin also comes into the team after being ineligible to play against Ipswich, taking the attacking midfielder role.

On the wings, Adrian Segecic is pushed out on the right, with Josh Murphy, who is expected to return from his injury for Portsmouth, back on the left.

Up top remains Colby Bishop, who will be looking to end his goal drought.

Portsmouth predicted XI graphic vs Watford
John Mousinho is likely to make multiple changes against Watford (Credit: Breaking Media)

Pressure will rise on John Mousinho if three points are earned against Watford 

After the recent set of poor results, many will be expecting a win against Watford.

There had been an expectation that Portsmouth would not be dragged into a relegation battle this season, especially after what was seen as a successful window.

However, a Watford victory would likely drag Pompey closer to the drop zone, and if another defeat to Middlesbrough follows on the weekend, Mousinho could find himself under pressure.

Hopefully, a victory will be delivered to ease these concerns early in the campaign. 

Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest Portsmouth news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account - @pompeynews247

John Mousinho
Championship
Conor Chaplin
www.theportsmouthnews.com