Portsmouth will travel to Roots Hall to take on Southend United in the League One this weekend. The Pompey are winless in their last five games in all competitions, and Kenny Jackett’s men have gone off the boil since the turn of the new year as they have slipped to the third spot after occupying the top spot for quite some time.
Southend United currently occupy the 14th spot on the league table, and the two teams faced each other last month in the third round of the Football League Trophy where the Pompey emerged victorious by two goals to nil.
Team News: Kenny Jackett recently indicated that he could give his key attacking duo of Ronan Curtis and Jamal Lowe a bit of rest. The manager was quoted as saying (The News), ”We always felt they (Curtis and Lowe) may need a rest at some stage across the second half of the season. Also, you never know what could happen. Look at the Jack Whatmough situation. So one shouldn’t be surprised if either of them misses out from this tie.”
Dion Donohue is doubtful for this clash. Lloyd Isgrove is struggling with a knee injury. Jack Whatmough is going to be a major miss at the back as he has undergone surgery. Andy Cannon and Luke McGee are still on the treatment table. Tom Naylor is suspended for accumulating ten bookings in the league.
Portsmouth predicted lineup Vs Southend United
Formation (4-2-3-1)
Defence
Craig MacGillivray has managed 11 clean sheets so far, and he will look to add to that tally. The Scotsman is a nailed on starter in goal. With Whatmough being out, Christian Burgess is going to be his replacement in defence. The other centre back spot is going to be occupied by Matt Clarke who has established himself in the first-team.
Former QPR defender, Lee Brown is set to take up the left-back role. Nathan Thompson is going reprise his usual duties in the right back spot.
Midfield
Ben Close will provide the creative outlet from the middle of the park. He is likely to be partnered by Bryn Morris who is going to be in a slightly more conservative role as his primary job would be to shield the back four.
Gareth Evans is expected to start in the attacking midfield position. We expect Viv Solomon-Otabor to get his chance in this clash. He should start from the left while Curtis could be rested for this league encounter. Jamal Lowe should keep his place on the right flank as the manager cannot afford to experiment too much.
Attack
We believe Oliver Hawkins should start ahead of Omar Bogle in this contest as the main man up front.
