Portsmouth boss admits he's doesn't know best line-up at present

And the Blues boss acknowledged he quickly needs to find the right formula and settle his starting XI selection down to save the season.

Jackett has continually switched up his team side in terms of personnel and formation through much of their recent downturn in form.

Injuries have played their part in that process, as has hunting for the right attacking formula with Pompey looking lacklustre going forward.

Jackett last named an unchanged team for the 1-0 defeat to Hull in January, following the 4-0 thumping by Hull.

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He has indicated he will go strong for this Saturday’s Papa John’s Trophy final against Salford at Wembley.

But Jackett knows continuity is now a priority to arrest his side’s fortunes with the pressure on both him and his players.

He said: ‘It’s very important (the team settles down).

‘Quite often one combination of players can bring out the best in another. We’re working hard trying to find that.

‘We’ve not necessarily had natural full-backs available to find the right combination up front.

‘That’s something even within games does change if you’re looking at substitutions all the way through all the leagues and all the clubs.

‘The forwards and combinations of forwards does change quite often. With five substitutions that can very much be the case within a game.

‘Your defensive unit tends to be more stable if you can get to that.

‘Yes, I do believe that when you get that winning equation we’re searching for you do need to settle that down.

‘Part of that is at times energy, fresh energy from the bench helping up front.

‘But we accept that we need to settle the best side down and give it the backing it needs to produce results.’

Pompey find themselves without midfielder Andy Cannon at present, Callum Johnson is around a week from a return from a calf injury while Alex Bass is still sidelined with a broken leg.

But Michael Jacobs’ return offers a selection boost as the games continue to come thick and fast.

Jackett explains that factors into his thinking, as does the opposition.

He said: ‘You need to look at opposition but then, if you can, settle your own side down.

‘My priority now without injuries and suspensions and even form or different combinations come into it, is to be consistent and back the players who are able to go on the run we want to produce results.’

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