Portsmouth would be looking to get back to winning ways when they take on Barnsley in their next match in the League One this weekend. The Pompey endured hard-fought draws in their last three games and with the high flying Barnsley set to visit them, Kenny Jackett’s men can expect another stern test in their pursuit of promotion to the Championship.
Team News
It comes as a big sigh of relief for the Portsmouth manager as he does not have any injury worries to deal with ahead of this crucial clash. With a fully fit squad at his disposal, Jackett can definitely dream of getting all three points from the next encounter.
Goalkeeper
Craig MacGillivray had a decent game against Bristol Rovers in the last match and would look to carry his confidence into the next match as well as he starts in the goal for Portsmouth.
Defence
The duo of Matt Clarke and Christian Burgess would look to put the disappointment of the last match behind them as they could not help MacGillivray leave the pitch with a clean sheet. However, the centre-backs are once again set to start in the heart of the backline for the Pompey against the Tykes.
Lee Brown would keep his place in the starting eleven for the next match as the right back. Anton Walkes would put in a shift on the right-hand side of the defence.
Midfield
Tom Naylor and Ben Close would start in central midfield against the Tykes. Captain Gareth Evans would accompany them as he starts ahead of them in the attacking midfield position. All three players would have to keep their composure against the likes of Alex Mowatt and Cameron McGeehan in the Barnsley midfield, as the duo have been in good touch of late.
Attack
Ronan Curtis and Jamal Lowe were not able to create enough chances in the last match against Bristol and would look to dish out a better performance against Barnsley. While Curtis would start on the left side of the midfield, Lowe is expected to put in a shift as the wide attacker from the right-hand side.
Oliver Hawkins would lead the line for the Pompey in the crucial encounter. Omar Bogle, who came off the bench to score and get his side back into the game, would be on the bench once again.
Predicted Formation: 4-2-3-1
