Kenny Jackett to keep changes to a minimum as Portsmouth plan to go strong for King's Lynn Cup visit

The Blues manager admitted he will keep changes to a ‘minimal’ as he looks to book a place in the third round of the competition.

Jackett resisted the urge to rotate his players for their first-round win against fellow League One side Ipswich at Portman Road last month.

He stuck to the same team that beat Lincoln at Sincil Bank four days earlier, with Tractor Boys boss Paul Lambert making nine changes to his starting XI.

That tactic paid off, with Pompey progressing to the second round – albeit via extra-time.

But with the Fratton faithful desperate for promotion this season, they were hoping for a much-changed line-up to help aid their pursuit of Championship football.

No doubt, a similar wish from supporters will be aired ahead of the King’s Lynn fixture, with the Blues – who are currently fourth in League One – scheduled to travel to Blackpool on Tuesday night.

However, they look set to be disappointed, with Jackett admitting that only one or two players might get ‘a breather’ against the National League outfit.

The Pompey manager told The News: ‘We want to try to make the minimal amount of changes we can.

‘There might be one or two players I think, energy-wise, might need a breather.

‘But it is important we go as strong as we can and make the least amount of changes that we can.’

The Blues, who drew 1-1 with Oxford on Tuesday night, have no new injury worries ahead of Saturday’s game at Fratton Park.

Only Michael Jacobs remains in the treatment room with the knee injury he picked up in the victory over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

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