Five Portsmouth selection dilemmas Danny Cowley must rule on ahead of Charlton game

But in order to do that, after three League One games without a win, the Blues boss might need to freshen up his starting XI for the game under the lights at the Valley.

Cowley has more or less called on the exact same line-up for the recent draws against Plymouth and Fleetwood and the 3-2 reverse against Ipswich, with Joe Morrell coming in for the injured Tom Lowery the only change in that time.

Pompey will be hopeful central midfielder Lowery is back from the hamstring injury that ruled him out of the past two fixtures, and with it provide with a welcome selection headache in the engine room.

But will that be the only area of the pitch which will see Cowley ponder his options?

It’s unlikely given recent criticism of the back four and the Blues’ attacking threat against the Tractor Boys and then Fleetwood.

Here’s the other key decisions the manager must rule on before heading to south London.

Right-back

Joe Rafferty’s stomach muscle injury has seen Cowley utilise left-footed Connor Ogilvie at right-back in recent games.

That’s despite having summer signing from Arsenal, Zak Swanson, and the experienced figure of Kieron Freeman at his disposal.

When operating at left-back, Ogilvie’s inclusion is currently not up for discussion, such has been his form in that position.

But when deployed on the opposite side of the back four, questions begin to be asked.

Teams have been looking to exploit the former Gillingham man’s vulnerability in an unfamiliar role, he hasn’t been getting forward as much, while his substitution against Fleetwood on Saturday was the first time the 26-year-old had failed to finish a Pompey league game in 11 starts.

Despite his popularity among the Fratton faithful, the fans are also of the opinion that right-back is not a role that suits Ogilvie – and Cowley needs to act.

The only problem there is, the manager feels former Gunner Swanson is not yet ready to be thrown into the starting XI, regardless of impressive outings in recent cup competitions.

Meanwhile, Freeman finds himself well down the pecking order, despite also stepping up when it matters in the same cup games.

With Rafferty expected to be out for another 1-2 weeks following surgery, it’s not a long-term issue for Cowley.

But what he decides to do for the trip to Charlton could prove vital, with the Blues not wanting to concede further ground to leaders Plymouth, Ipswich or Sheffield Wednesday.

Left-back

If Cowley does decide to shake things up at right-back, it could have an impact on who plays on the left of the defence at Charlton.

He’d loathe to go into battle without Ogilvie, so it automatically puts Clark Robertson’s place under threat.

But a head-scratcher accompanies that option, too.

Despite being a central defender, the club captain has excelled since been asked to fill in at left-back.

So much so that the Blues have unearthed a set-piece-taking gem who is their go-to option for free-kick and corners.

The Scot’s willingness to break forward to join in with attacks has also raised eyebrows, providing Cowley with a difficult decision when his full-back options are all finally fit again.

The returning Denver Hume thought the only person who would be standing in his way for regular first-team football was Ogilvie.

Not any more, it seems.

Central midfield

Deemed the Blues’ strongest department following the closure of the transfer window, injuries have tested the team’s resolve in this area.

First there was Morrell, then came Louis Thompson, before the injury curse struck Lowery.

Thankfully, Lowery is on the mend and should be available for Monday night’s trip to the capital.

Meanwhile, Morrell’s return proved timely following his absence at the start of the season.

But who is best suited to play alongside Marlon Pack, who is a midfield shoo-in every game, let’s be honest!

Well, it depends on Cowley’s thoughts on the opposition really and what he wants.

Morrell is more defensive-minded and will offer the back line extra protection.

Lowery, on the the other hand, offers a lot more going forward.

The former Crewe man’s absence has corresponded with the current three-game winless run in League One, while the Blues have lost their zip slightly when on the attack.

If Cowley is brave and wants to apply further pressure on Addicks manager Ben Garner, Lowery’s return is a must.

Right-wing

There’s no denying it, Owen Dale has been a massive hit since his loan arrival from Blackpool.

His energy, tenacity and effort has been there for all to see, making him an instant hit with the fans.

But could both he and Pompey benefit from a rest from the starting XI against the Addicks?

That proposal could seem a bit harsh given his numbers for the Blues, while, no doubt, the potential return of former Crewe team-mate Lowery alongside Dale will provide a boost.

But with Reeco Hackett clearly bang in form at present, is he someone Cowley needs to utilise and make the most of at this moment in time?

A similar argument could be made for Michael Jacobs on the left.

The only problem there being, Josh Koroma is only just hitting his straps!

Up front

Let’s face it, a Pompey starting XI without Dane Scarlett in it this season is a weaker starting XI.

And there’s no doubt, his presence will have a Charlton back line that has conceded 17 league goals so far this season – more than any team in the division’s top half – quaking in their boots at the prospect.

But with the Spurs youngster without a goal or assist in four games, does Joe Pigott deserve a recall?

In Scarlett’s defence, the supply line hasn’t exactly been firing on all cylinders in recent games – and that’s maybe where the issue is.

Meanwhile, a steady queue has been forming among the Pompey players all season as to who can speak more highly of the teenage hot shot.

That’s how good he’s been at Fratton Park.

Yet, Cowley has the key responsibility of managing the striker’s development this term and needs to tread carefully in not overusing the huge talent at his disposal.

He’ll be fully aware of that, alongside the need to dip into Pigott’s skill set.

But you suspect, with the Sky TV cameras being rigged up as we speak, there’ll be a desire to unleash Scarlett once again to show what a talent Pompey have in their ranks – even if it is only on a temporary basis.