I think we’re giving Portsmouth too much respect.
They are on a great run, but so are we. While we lost on penalties we completely outplayed a Championship team, twice. The fans know when we play our way we are the best team in the league - I’m sure MR and the player know that too. And conversely, we played poorly on Saturday and still won. I can’t see any reason the players shouldn’t be absolutely full of confidence.
Selection wise, I get the calls to rest Kelly and he hasn’t looked quite himself the last few, but I’d have done that against Bolton not Portsmouth. Wash is the most natural replacement, and while he plays deeper alongside Kelly he currently has license to roam - he wouldn’t if he was the deepest lying midfielder and we’d miss that.
I’d also go two up front, both Baka and Biamou look better when in a two and have formed a strong partnership. Unfortunately I think he’ll start with one, probably Bakayoko if Godden is out.
I also have a feeling he’ll opt for the Westbrooke/Shipley combination due to their discipline, work rate and distance covered around the pitch. While it’s more than conservative than d be, having O’Hare and Allen fresh against tired legs around 60 minutes could work well.
I’ve never seen Giles play, but he’s clearly well regarded. While McCallum has been slightly off too, I’d still start him as he’s used to the formation, tactics etc.
With all that in mind I think he’ll go:
Marosi
Rose McFadzean Hyam
Dabo Kelly Walsh McCallum
Westbrooke Shipley
Bakayoko
Wilson
Pask
Giles
Allen
O’Hare
Biamou
Hiwula/Jones
Unfortunately my ST is going spare tonight as I’m missing the game due to a family event which I’ve tried and failed to get out of. I’ll be watching on iFollow, and while it doesn’t compare to being there in person (especially for such a big game), at least I can still follow the action.
3-1, Bakayoko, Walsh, Shipley.