(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)
Match

Portsmouth vs Middlesbrough preview: Team news, lineups and score prediction

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.

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Portsmouth are set to take on Middlesbrough on Saturday as they finally look to put an end to their poor run of form.

Pompey have been heavily struggling since the end of August, and are without a win in four matches.

While Adrian Segecic rescued a draw for Portsmouth on Wednesday against Watford, it was another disappointing display.

Now, John Mousinho faces a massive challenge to end Pompey’s winless run as they take on Middlesbrough at Fratton Park.

John Mousinho's side are not expected to beat Middlesbrough on Saturday (Credit: Imago)
John Mousinho's side are not expected to beat Middlesbrough on Saturday (Credit: Imago)

Form guide 

Portsmouth: WDLLD

Middlesbrough: WDWDD

Team news 

Little has changed for Portsmouth since their last match against Watford.

Josh Murphy could play a part against Middlesbrough after signing his new contract as he looks to recover from an ankle injury.

The Boro match looks set to come too soon for Franco Umeh, who is yet to make his Portsmouth debut.

On top of this, Callum Lang, Nicolas Schmid, Conor Shaughnessy and Thomas Waddingham remain long-term absentees for Mousinho.

Josh Murphy with his hands by his side playing for Portsmouth
Josh Murphy could miss the Middlesbrough clash (Credit: Imago)

In comparison, Middlesbrough have received a boost ahead of their trip, with Rob Edwards confirming that both Callum Brittain and Dael Fry are fit to play a part in the match.

However, George Edmundson is facing time on the sidelines after picking up an injury in Tuesday’s draw against Stoke City.

On top of this, Middlesbrough are set to be without Darragh Lenihan, Seny Dieng and Riley McGree.

Predicted line-ups

Portsmouth: Bursik, Williams, Poole, Knight, Ogilvie, Pack, Dozzell, Yang, Chaplin, Murphy, Bishop

Middlesbrough: Brynn, Ayling, Silvera, Jones, Targett, Brittain, Morris, Hackney, Whittaker, Conway, Strelec

How Portsmouth could line up against Middlesbrough

Prediction: Portsmouth 0-2 Middlesbrough 

Given Portsmouth’s awful form at Fratton Park and the fact that Middlesbrough have been outstanding this season, it is hard to see anything but a victory for the visitors.

If Pompey can get anything from the game, it would be a good result, but recent performances will give many little confidence that Mousinho can pull this off.

A defeat before the international break will only damage the players’ confidence further.

However, a 2-0 victory for Middlesbrough seems the most likely outcome of the match.

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