Portsmouth face Wycombe Wanderers on Good Friday, looking to keep League One’s promotion hopefuls at arm’s length.
John Mousinho’s side are currently nine points clear of Bolton Wanderers in third place and five clear of Derby County in second place while also holding a game in hand on The Rams.
The trip to Adams Park has become all too familiar. The two sides have faced off against each other 19 times since 2012. The Blues have come out on top seven times compared to the Chairboys’ five.
Mousinho’s men won the Fratton Park fixture earlier in the season thanks to a 98th-minute header from Conor Shaughnessy.
Pompey will be looking to complete a league double of Wycombe for the first time in their history.
Mousinho will have plenty of selection issues to contemplate ahead of the trip to Berkshire, and here’s how Portsmouth FC News envisages the Blues’ starting lineup.
Portsmouth predicted XI v Wycombe Wanderers
Will Norris will start in goal for the Blues; the 30-year-old has registered 18 clean sheets this season, more than any other League One keeper.
Jack Sparkes should keep his spot at left-back after an impressive performance at London Road. Sean Raggett and Shaughnessy will make up Mousinho’s central defensive pairing.
The first change could come at right back. Zak Swanson was superb against Posh, but Joe Rafferty’s return to fitness could be an issue for the former Arsenal youngster. Rafferty has started 32 games this season and is trusted by Mousinho. It would be harsh on Swanson, but it’s a change that could happen.
Marlon Pack and Owen Moxon should retain the midfield spots, although Lee Evans could be handed his first outing in place of the former Carlisle man.
A further change could occur in attacking midfield. Pompey deployed a front two against Peterborough due to Christian Saydee’s injury. As a result, Kusini Yengi was the matchwinner, but due to the Aussie having to cover 10,000 miles before Friday, Paddy Lane coming into the side could be an option.
The Northern Irishman returning on the right would see Myles Peart-Harris moved into a central role, where he’s been most impressive. Callum Lang’s absence means the Brentford loanee is even more likely to start.
Abu Kamara should start on the right, with Colby Bishop leading the line for Mousinho’s side.
With Derby facing Blackpool and Bolton travelling to Stevenage, Pompey have an opportunity to capitalise on two tough-looking fixtures for their promotion rivals.