A win for the Blues over a side deep in relegation trouble would go a long way to securing their Championship status for another season. A victory for Miron Muslic’s side, on the other hand, would give the Pilgrims hope of a great escape and put seeds of doubt in the minds of those at Pompey who are already planning for second-tier football next term.
With that in mind, Pompey will more than likely keep faith with the side that turned the title race on its head and beat Leeds on Sunday. However, with the effort each and every one of the Blues players put in against Daniel Farke’s side, does John Mousinho tweak his starting XI slightly to ensure no-one goes into the game with a bit of leftover fatigue in theire legs?
We’ll have to wait until 6.45pm, when the team is officially announced, to find out. In the meantime, here’s how we think the Blues will line up against the Pilgrims.
9. Right-wing - Matt Ritchie
The Gosport-man puts in a shift every time he pulls on that Pompey shirt. His experience, can-do attitude, commitment and work-rate will be vital tonight - especially against some uncompromising Plymouth defenders. | National World
10. Attacking midfielder - Terry Devlin
John Mousinho surprised us all by bringing on the young Northern Irishman for the injured Adil Aouchiche against Leeds on Sunday. By all accounts Aouchiche should be fit to face Plymouth after coming off with a foot injury. But with the Sunderland ace yet to hit top form for Pompey since his January loan move and Plymouth boosting two uncompromising central defenders in Nikola Katic and Maksym Talovierov, perhaps this is the type of game that is made for Devlin. His commitment, power and willingness to put his body on the line will provde the Blues with a bit more muscle in attacking areas and maybe ruffle a feathers in the process. | National World
11. Left-wing - Josh Murphy
You'd be hard pressed to find a current Championship winger who gives defenders more nightmares ahead of games than Murphy. What a maiden season at Fratton Park he's having. | National World
12. Centre-forward - Colby Bishop
I'd hand Bishop another contract extension on top of the one he signed only last month after the finish he produced to down Leeds at Fratton Park on Sunday! Kusini Yengi might be back - but it remains a one-horse race for who starts up front for Pompey! | National World