It’s been a frustrating start to the new season for Pompey, who currently sit four points above the relegation zone.
Despite picking up two wins in their opening four matches, the Blues have claimed just one victory in the following 11 games, which has seen them slump down the Championship table.
John Mousinho has been hampered by injuries to a number of key personnel in the opening three months of the campaign, with the likes of Josh Murphy, Conor Shaughnessy, Callum Lang, Nicolas Schmid and more unavailable at various points.
Although some members of the injured cohort are closing in on their much-anticipated returns, others like Connor Ogilvie and Thomas Waddingham are still set for an extended period on the sidelines.
But what would Pompey’s strongest XI and bench look like IF the head coach had every player at his disposal?
Although Mousinho has had to contend with injuries throughout the campaign so far, here’s how we think the Blues could line-up if they had a clean bill of health.
Do you agree with our starting XI and bench?
5. CB: Conor Shaughnessy
Pompey are reeling from Shaughnessy’s injury, with the Irish defender missing the past two months with a hamstring issue. Given Mousinho’s struggles at finding a suitable partner for Poole, the 29-year-old would likely come straight back into defence when he returns in December. | Stephen Flynn/ProSportsImages
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6. LB: Connor Ogilvie
Ogilvie will be a big miss at left-back after sustaining a knee injury against Wrexham last week. The 29-year-old is expected to miss 10-12 weeks of action as a result, leaving Mousinho without a fit left-sided full-back. When fit, though, he would be the head coach's go to man at left-back. | John Mallett/ProSportsImages
7. CM: Marlon Pack
Pack has surprised many with his performances following his return from a knee injury in October and has solidified his spot in the number six role. The questions lie a bit deeper for Pompey, with Le Roux struggling there so far, while the Blues boss has utilised Swift in a more unnatural position in Pack’s absence. Given the skipper was unable to break into the engine room behind Freddie Potts last term, have the Pompey fully replaced the West Ham talent? | Graham Hunt/ProSportsImages
8. CM: Andre Dozzell
Mousinho admitted the lively 26-year-old is one of the first names on the team sheet and rightly so given his impressive performances in the number eight role. The ex-Ipswich ace adds plenty of flair and creativity to the Blues’ engine room along with his no-nonsense approach - adding much-needed physicality to the midfield. | Graham Hunt/ProSportsImages