Pompey v Reading under-23: Early team news

Pompey defender Jack Whatmough Picture: Joe Pepler

The Blues boss is keen to give match minutes to those not presently involved in the first team.

That means there are likely to be at least 10 alterations to the side which lined-up against Doncaster at the weekend, with Jack Whatmough, Brandon Haunstrup, Adam Buxton, Liam O’Brien and Ben Close among those set to be given opportunities.

Noel Hunt yesterday returned to training following injury and will be among the Pompey substitutes.

Reading under-23 team news

Former Pompey player Martin Kuhl will be in charge of Reading under-23s for the match.

He will oversee a young side which defeated Bristol Rovers 3-2 in their previous group match in the competition.

Joseph Mendes, who scored the winner in that game, is expected to again start.

The striker appeared as a substitute for the first team against Derby at the weekend.

There is also likely to be a rare start for Sandro Wieser, a summer signing yet to break into Jaap Stam’s senior team.