Portsmouth predicted starting XI v Newport: Recalls for former Sunderland, West Ham and Rotherham trio amid wholesale changes for Carabao Cup game
By Mark McMahon
Published 23rd Aug 2022, 12:18 BST
Pompey head to Newport County tonight in the Carabao Cup looking to make the third round of the competition for only the third time since 2010.
Victory would be another sign of the progress currently being made by head coach Danny Cowley in his second full season in charge at Fratton Park.
And while the unbeaten Blues go into the game as pre-match favourites, the manager remains intent on handing his fringe players and youngsters the chance to get vital minutes into their legs.
The Arsenal Academy product will likely to be given a rare start after having to watch Joe Rafferty establish himself as Danny Cowley's first-choice right-back. Has looked decent on the two occasions he's featured this season and the manager will want to get more minutes into his legs. Photo: National World
Pompey need to careful in midfield given Louis Thompson's injury. But they do have strength in numbers there and with Jay Mingi likely to earn the chance to start, Pack's experience will prove important. Doubt he'll play the whole game, though. Photo: NationalWorld
The midfielder can count himself unlucky to not make the match-day stay for Saturday's visit of Bristol Rovers. Joe Morrell's return from injury will also do the youngster no favours. But Cowley is a bit admirer of the former West Ham and Charlton youngster and will likely utilise him from the start against Newport, with maybe Morrell joining him in the second half. Photo: National World
If ever a player needed match minutes, it's Hume. The former Sunderland man hasn't featured for Pompey since mid-March because of a back injury. He's a lot of catching up to do and tonight could be the ideal opportunity to begin the comeback trail. Photo: National World