Kenny Jackett opted not to make any deadline-day swoops, with John Marquis the last arrival through the door on July 31. We’ve had a look at what the Blues’ strongest starting line-up and bench could be (not including long-term casualty Jack Whatmough) before the window again opens on January 1, 2020.

1. GK: Craig MacGillivray
The Scot has been top class since arriving last summer and deservedly got a maiden international call-up
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Freelance

2. RB: James Bolton
Bolton's been troubled by injuries since his arrival on a free from Shrewsbury but is set to make his return against Crawley tonight
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Freelance

3. CB: Paul Downing
Kenny Jackett was a long-time admirer of the defender and got his man on a free from Blackburn. The former MK Dons man has started his Pompey career impressively
Joe Pepler
Freelance

4. CB: Christian Burgess
Hardly put a foot wrong so far and did superbly playing as a makeshift right-back in recent games
Joe Pepler
Freelance
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