Portsmouth predicted XI v Barnsley: debut expected and three changes to be made as John Mousinho goes for front-foot approach: gallery

By Mark McMahon

Published 4th Feb 2023, 05:00 BST

Pompey play host to Barnsley today hoping to put their deadline day business to good use and put last Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Peterborough behind them.

That loss at London Road brought John Mousinho’s winning start to life at Fratton Park to a dramatic halt and demonstrated the job at hand is far from simple.

Injuries once again impacted the Blues, as did a suspension, with Joe Morrell sitting out the visit to Posh.

There’s better news on that front, though, heading into the game with the Tykes.

Morrell is back from his one-match ban, while Joe Rafferty is in contention to feature after five months out through injury.

Tuesday’s signings of Paddy Lane and Di’Shon Bernard also provide the Blues squad with a welcome boost.

But will any of the above find themselves in Mousinho’s starting line-up for another crucial game at PO4?

Here’s how we think Pompey could start today’s game...

Portsmouth Head Coach John Mousinho during the EFL Sky Bet League 1 match between Peterborough United and Portsmouth at London Road, Peterborough, England on 28 January 2023.

1. Portsmouth Head Coach John Mousinho during the EFL Sky Bet League 1 match between Peterborough United and Portsmouth at London Road, Peterborough, England on 28 January 2023.

Portsmouth Head Coach John Mousinho during the EFL Sky Bet League 1 match between Peterborough United and Portsmouth at London Road, Peterborough, England on 28 January 2023. Photo: Jason Brown

The on-loan Luton keeper is proving a real find by Pompey. Has been excellent so far for the Blues following his January arrival and produced a man-of-the-match display in last week's defeat at Peterborough.

2. Matt Macey - goalkeeper

The on-loan Luton keeper is proving a real find by Pompey. Has been excellent so far for the Blues following his January arrival and produced a man-of-the-match display in last week's defeat at Peterborough. Photo: Jason Brown

The youngster will be nervously looking over his shoulder as Joe Rafferty closes in on a Pompey return. Against Posh, Swanson was handed another hard lesson in how tough League One can be if you're not at the top of your game. He's lucky that no-one is expecting Rafferty to walk straight back into the side after five months out through injury.
The former Gunner needs to conscious of Di'Shon Bernard's versatility, too.

3. Zak Swanson - right-back

The youngster will be nervously looking over his shoulder as Joe Rafferty closes in on a Pompey return. Against Posh, Swanson was handed another hard lesson in how tough League One can be if you're not at the top of your game. He's lucky that no-one is expecting Rafferty to walk straight back into the side after five months out through injury. The former Gunner needs to conscious of Di'Shon Bernard's versatility, too. Photo: Jason Brown

Produced another battling display in the defeat against Peterborough. He gets the nod over new-boy Di'Shon Bernard, whose sights might be better off focusing on Zak Swanson's right-back role, with the Man Utd loanee capable of playing at right-back.

4. Sean Raggett - centre-back 1

Produced another battling display in the defeat against Peterborough. He gets the nod over new-boy Di'Shon Bernard, whose sights might be better off focusing on Zak Swanson's right-back role, with the Man Utd loanee capable of playing at right-back. Photo: Jason Brown

Pompey John Mousinho Barnsley Portsmouth Joe Morrell