(Credit: Imago)

Portsmouth updated predicted XI vs Southampton after massive John Mousinho update

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:

13 Sep 2025, 1:30 am

Portsmouth will face Southampton on Sunday, with John Mousinho looking to get all three points from St. Mary’s Stadium.

The South Coast derby will be the first meeting between the two sides since 2019, with Saints coming out on top in a 4-0 victory.

Therefore, multiple preparations have been made ahead of the match to ensure that Portsmouth are in the best possible position to get a result.

Now, John Mousinho has delivered an important update ahead of the game, which could have a massive impact on the outcome of the match.

John Mousinho faces a big task on Sunday (Credit: Imago)

Marlon Pack to come into Portsmouth’s starting XI vs Southampton

Marlon Pack has been out for Portsmouth since pre-season with an injury, and it was presumed that he wouldn’t be back in time for the Southampton match.

However, Mousinho confirmed to The News on 11 September that Pack should be available for the squad on Sunday.

Given that Pack is a boyhood Portsmouth fan and knows how much the match matters to fans, the manager will surely give him the nod to start.

Pack picked up an injury in pre-season
The midfielder has missed the start of Portsmouth's 2025/26 campaign
Pack could start against Southampton on Sunday

Compared to the previous Portsmouth predicted XI for the Southampton game, John Swift will drop out of the lineup for the captain.

Therefore, the lineup will be Nicolas Schmid in goal, with Zak Swanson, Regan Poole, Conor Shaughnessy and Connor Ogilvie making up the backline.

Joining Pack in midfield will be Andre Dozzell, with Conor Chaplin in an attacking midfield role and Adrian Segecic and Josh Murphy on the wings.

Up top, as the lone striker, is Colby Bishop.

Read more: Portsmouth can exploit Southampton weakness after Will Still highlighted key problem

Portsmouth graphic predicting starting XI against Southampton

(Credit: Breaking Media)

Can Marlon Pack make an impact against Southampton?

If Pack can replicate his form from the 2024/25 campaign against Southampton, his reemergence to the team could be a game-changer.

According to Fotmob on 12 September, the midfielder excelled last season at creating chances and also held a superb defensive record.

Marlon Pack in the 2024/25 Championship season	Per 90 minutes
Chances created	0.80
Successful crosses	0.30
Successful dribbles	0.23
Duels won	6.15
Recoveries	5.16
Possession won in final third	0.30

Pack produced impressive stats last season

Therefore, if this is added to Portsmouth’s game at St. Mary’s it could easily tip the balance in their favour.

Hopefully, if Pack does start, he is able to make an impact from the get-go and earn Pompey their long-awaited win against their rivals.

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John Mousinho

Marlon Pack