The more options the better, so Kenny Jackett having another two players available again following selection, which kept them out of the Pompey win at Blackpool, for Southend is a positive selection headache.
Stuart O’Keefe and Nathan Thompson would be considered first choice options but suspension – O’Keefe collecting five yellow cards and Thompson suspended following a sending off – kept the pair out of the win at Blackpool.
Jackett told portsmouthfc.co.uk he doesn’t ‘see it as a dilemma’ when deciding if they are brought ‘straight back into the team’ or not – quite simply having them back for a difficult week ahead is a great thing.
He said: ‘We’ve got Southend on Saturday, then we’re going to Peterborough in midweek and have Plymouth here on the following weekend. The one certainty is that the side that starts against Southend won’t be the same one that finishes against Plymouth. To have those two back and available for these three upcoming games is something that’s very good for me and the team.’
It goes without saying he would want to select his ‘best 11’ and then have the chance of ‘sticking with that’ so Jackett now has to decide if he changes a winning side? Hmm, what to do… I’d probably have Thompson back in the side but O’Keefe might be among the subs, we’ll find out soon enough.
As for the game itself, Jackett knows we’ll face a decent side but the Pompey boss also knows this coming week presents a chance to push on, well, if points are collected.
Jackett added: ‘They had a good go at getting into the play-offs last season and were close to doing it, so I’m sure they’ll have similar aspirations again. Southend have an experienced manager and players, so it will be tough, but there are nine points up for grabs in the next week and we want to take as many as we can. There are different hurdles to clear in this division and we want to be able to match any opponent we face.’
Fitness wise, only Milan Lalkovic, who continues to be troubled by his Achilles injury, and Jack Whatmough, out long-term, and the injured left backs, both back with their parent clubs, miss out.
PLAY UP POMPEY
Follow @VitalPortsmouth.
2017-18 Prediction League – November
Southend (h) Saturday 18th November 2017 – click here.
Peterborough (a) Tuesday 21st November 2017 – click here.
Plymouth (h) Saturday 25th November 2017 – click here.
