Colby Bishop and John Mousinho at St Mary's Stadium for Portsmouth

Colby Bishop and John MousinhoManh Tung, Breaking Media

Portsmouth predicted XI vs Southampton: Colby Bishop rewarded, but injury causes headache

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Published on:

07 Oct 2026, 12:51 pm

All eyes will be on the South Coast derby when Portsmouth travel to face Southampton on Sunday, 11 October.

There is no love lost between these two Championship sides, and Pompey will be hoping to return with all three points and the bragging rights.

Last season's double header saw the spoils being shared on both occasions.

This time around, manager John Mousinho will be looking to finally hand Portsmouth a win against their rivals for the first time since 2010.

Ahead of the match, the manager will have a lot to think about in regards to potential changes.

While, he will also be forced to make at least one from their last Championship match against Blackburn Rovers.

How will John Mousinho solve Conor Shaughnessy injury blow at Portsmouth?

Conor Shaughnessy has been ruled out for Portsmouth after picking up an injury shortly before the international break.

While it is not a serious blow for the Irishman, it is enough to keep him out of this hotly contested clash.

The 30-year-old has been a Pompey regular this season, starting in six of the South Coast club's seven games.

When he was subbed off against Blackburn Rovers before the international break, it was Welshman Regan Poole getting the nod.

And the centre-back who has been on the fringes of the squad may be who Mousinho turns to on this occasion.

Elsewhere in the backline, Daniel Bielica is likely to keep his place after usurping Nicolas Schmid in goal.

While Madiodio Dia may keep his place due to Benjamin Arthur's injury keeping him out for three months.

At fullback, Zak Swanson is the likely favourite to continue on the right after scoring against Blackburn, with Jayden Meghoma potentially continuing his run of three successive starts at left-back.

Ebou Adams update drops pre-Southampton as Portsmouth star's international break cut short

Could Mousinho issue rare changes in midfield and attack?

If there has been anything to learn about Mousinho's Pompey this season, it is that the 40-year-old rarely shakes things up in the middle of the pitch.

Marlon Pack has started all games in the Championship when available, and that is unlikely to change.

When it comes to his partner, Mousinho has the choice between Rocco Shein and Ebou Adams.

The Estonian has often been the preferred option and in a game of his magntidue, Mousinho could simply stick to his favourites, handing Shein another start.

In attack, Adrian Segecic looks set to remain in the number 10 role, with Mousinho favourite Abu Kamara, and Ryan Kavuma-McQueen the probable wide men.

The latter impressed against Blackburn with an assist before the break.

Up front, Tyrese Shade may drop out as he still awaits his first Pompey goal, with Colby Bishop possibly earning a chance to start after scoring the equaliser against Blackburn off the bench.

Portsmouth predicted XI vs Southampton: Bielica; Swanson, Dia, Poole, Meghoma; Pack, Shein; Kamara, Segecic, Kavuma-McQueen; Bishop

Jayden Meghoma