League One outfit Portsmouth were able to force a fourth-round replay against QPR in the FA Cup as the earlier tie ended in a 1-1 draw. The game was quite evenly matched, and it never looked like the Pompey were playing a team from a higher division as they were able to match QPR pound for pound.
Kenny Jackett’s side briefly occupied the top spot in League One. They have now slipped to the third spot as they only managed a draw against Doncaster and went down to current table toppers Luton Town earlier. QPR, on the other hand, are coming on the back of a defeat against Wigan Atheltic.
Team News: Midfielder Dion Donohue is a major doubt for Kenny Jackett as he suffered a severe shin injury. The manager was quoted as saying (The News), ”Donohue’s injury is a shin injury which is quite a bad cut and will at least need stitches, although they are taking a precaution to scan him, making sure there are no broken bones in there.”
Jack Whatmough and Bryn Morris are also doubts for this game. Irish international Ronan Curtis is suspended for this tie. Viv-Solomon Otabor is ineligible as he is cup-tied.
Portsmouth predicted lineup Vs QPR
Formation (4-2-3-1)
Defence
Craig MacGillivray has managed 11 cleans sheets so far in all competitions, and the Scotsman is going to be trusted in between the sticks once again in this cup encounter. We are expecting Jack Whatmough to be fit in time to start in the heart of the defence. He is likely to be partnered by Matt Clarke who has established himself as the first choice centre back of the team.
Nathan Thompson is expected to play in the right-back role. Lee Brown, the former QPR academy product, is likely to start in the left back role for the Pompey.
Midfield
With Donohue’s injury, we expect Ben Close to start in a slightly deeper role in midfield. He is likely to be partnered by Tom Naylor.
Former Rotherham United player, Gareth Evans can start in the no. 10 role just behind the striker. With very limited options, the manager might have to go in with Lloyd Isgrove on the left flank. Jamal Lowe has ten goals to his name in League One, and the winger is a nailed on starter from the right.
Attack
Captain Brett Pitman was Portsmouth’s top scorer last season, but the experienced forward has fallen down the pecking order under Kenny Jackett. However, he should get a chance to lead the line in this tie.
