'No excuses for Marquis now... good starting line-up... what does Close offer' - Portsmouth fans react to team selection for Shrewsbury game

Pompey fans on social media have been debating new head coach Danny Cowley’s latest team selection for today’s trip to Shrewsbury.
Pompey head coach Danny Cowley.  Picture:  Daniel ChestertonPompey head coach Danny Cowley.  Picture:  Daniel Chesterton
Pompey head coach Danny Cowley. Picture: Daniel Chesterton

Missing are the benched James Bolton and Andy Cannon, along with Ronan Curtis, who is on Republic of Ireland international duty, and Jordy Hiwula, who is reportedly injured.

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And in their place are Callum Johnson, Ben Close. Michael Jacobs and John Marquis who has recovered from an ankle injury.

It’s more changes than anyone would have predicted given the nature of last weekend’s win against the Tractor Boys, with Pompey looking like they might line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Regardless, it’s got many fans talking on Twitter.

Here’s a selection of the views shared...

@Anderson03S: No excuses for Marquis now. New system is what people say he needs time for him to deliver

@ScottSquish: Looks a good starting line up hopefully goals in it.

@jackcummins_9: Great side that. Let’s win it.

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@DeanJon69705225: Ben Close can only pass the ball sideways and backwards too scared to do the killer pass and always lose the midfield runners.

@Stew_Smith1: Same looking team as KJ but the difference is Cowley knows how to make this team work and be the good team they are.

@samjeffersmacey: Controversial one but still not a clue what Ben Close offers... White, Byers and Cannon all better by miles in my opinion, far too lightweight!

Had a decent few games but still not good enough!

Hope I’m wrong and I have my opinion changed up the blues.

@PompeyScoutpfc: Interesting, did the January signings upset our team. It’s back to the oldish guard. Good luck Pompey/

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@furniss_alex: time for John to prove himself to the Cowleys I guess. Pup

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