Portsmouth’s strongest XI over the crucial Christmas period

CB – Christian Burgess

For someone who also has a History degree to his name, Burgess is renowned for his man-of-the-match performances and is always a given in Cook’s starting line-up.

He is dynamic in the air and quick off his feet and, despite the competition for places at the back, never seems a doubt after starting all 19 league games for the Blues this season.

The 25-year-old is also a towering threat up the other end of the pitch, proving a problem for defences, most notably from corners.

He has come up with two goals for Pompey this season, including the winner in a 1-0 victory at Leyton Orient.