How Portsmouth fans have reacted to starting XI to face Bristol City - with surprise call-ups named
Pompey head to Bristol City looking to stretch their unbeaten run to five games
Pompey fans on social media have been reacting to the team named by John Mousinho for today’s game against Bristol City at Ashton Gate.
The Blues have made four changes to the side that beat Charlton late doors on Monday night - but there’s no room in the team for match-winner Minyeok Yang.
He remains on the bench for the New Year’s Day fixture against the Robins. Although Conor Shaughnessy finds himself back in the starting XI, another goalscorer against the Addicks, who is making his first start since August following a hamstring injury.
There’s also recalls for Ibane Bowat, Luke Le Roux and John Swift, with Hayden Matthews and Conor Chaplin dropping to the bench, and Marlon Pack absent altogether from the match-day squad, presumed injured despite travelling.
Mounting injuries will have clearly impacted John Mousinho’s hand, with a 3-5-2 formation looking likely - a system that will match the hosts.
But with last season’s humbling at the hands of the Robins still fresh in the memory - a game that saw the Blues’ fringe players handed a chance to shine amid a hectic festive schedule - some believe history could very well repeat itself.
Here’s a selection of the views fans have shared on X with the countdown to kick-off well under way.
How fans have reacted to Pompey team to face Bristol City
@ShaunCHill: I rate that.. match them three at the back, utilise Swanson and Devlin as wing backs and puts Swift and Segs in their best positions.
@olliejoell1606: Almost as bad as the line-up we did at Ashton gate last season.
@Roydini25: No Lang, no Bishop, no Murphy. Farrell on the bench. Weird Team, but you never know.
@MrSpudman: What in the New Year’s Day hangover is this?!
@LloydyAdams3: Mous learning from the home loss to them match up n take a point 5 unbeaten lads PUP
@Hutchy657: It’s going to be very difficult to get anything from this game.
@pfcdave1898: Desperately need signings ASAP.
@daniel_son79: Memories of this fixture last season.
@PORTSMOUTHFCLEE: The classic (let’s get hammered on the road) and win the home games scenario.
@James_Pompey_: That team would struggle to get a win in League 2. Blimey.
@RShee23: Okay, now release the real line up.
@betham37: Give up on the moaning. I’m sure our so called best players would start if available.
For your next Pompey read: Bristol City v Portsmouth LIVE: from Ashton Gate.