With the busy Christmas period coming up and the mid-way point of the season fast approaching, Shoot!‘s Zoe Rundle takes a look at Portsmouth’s strongest starting line-up and those that are best placed to achieve promotion come May.

The Blues currently lie fourth in League Two after 19 games played and accumulating 31 points.

They sit eight points adrift of top spot, with Doncaster Rovers leading the way and Carlisle United and Plymouth Argyle following closely behind.

There is no doubt that manager Paul Cook has recruited with the intention of avoiding a fifth successive season in League Two, however with so many new signings to pick from, alongside those that impressed last year, who makes the cut and who misses out?

GK – David Forde

David Forde came to Portsmouth’s saviour after five different shop-stoppers started between the sticks for the Blues last season and a lack of consistency ultimately payed diligence in the play-off semi-final against Plymouth.

The former Millwall ‘keeper has started every league game for Paul Cook’s side so far this season, as well as the club’s one appearance in the FA Cup, somewhat demonstrating his importance.

Despite a couple of shaky moments, the 36-year-old provides a voice of experience in commanding his back four and has helped to keep seven clean sheets to date this campaign.

RB – Gareth Evans

At the start of the season, Evans would have not even been considered at right-back, playing much of his career in midfield.

However, injury to Drew Talbot meant that the 28-year-old was forced to step up, excelling in the process.

With an attacking mind, the former Fleetwood Town man loves to get forward and has established a superb partnership with Carl Baker down the right-hand side.

Evans has also cropped up with two goals this season, with his most rewarding coming in November’s 3-1 win at promotion rivals Luton Town.

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.

CB – Matt Clarke

Clarke is a towering presence at the back and was given his chance of first-team football by Cook after coming from Ipswich Town last season.

He has established a fantastic partnership with Burgess at the back after playing together for a year now.

He is calm in possession and rarely makes mistakes for someone who is just 20 years of age.

Clarke also has a remarkable disciplinary record for a centre-back, only picking up one yellow card to date this season.

LB – Enda Stevens

Stevens was perhaps last season’s best signing, picking up the Player of the Year award at the end of the campaign.

He has started this term as he left off last and is an extremely solid full-back who loves to burst forward when the opportunity arises.

The Irishman has started every league game for the Blues this season, with his influence perhaps proven due to the fact he was rested for the FA Cup tie with Wycombe Wanderers.

Though he rarely gets amongst the goals, he isn’t shy of producing quality crosses into the box.

RM – Carl Baker

Baker is possibly this season’s best signing and has been fundamental in Portsmouth’s strong start to the campaign.

Cook can always rely on the winger for an impressive performance, particularly since he frequently pops up with vital goals such as his two last month against Mansfield Town.

He is extremely strong on the ball, can dribble in and out of defenders and is filled with a wealth of passion.

A former Milton Keynes Dons star, Baker also brings with him crucial experience which undoubtedly strengthens the squad at times of need.

CM – Michael Doyle

Captain fantastic! Doyle was brought in when Cook took permanent charge at the beginning of the 2015-16 campaign.

He works extremely hard and crops up with the odd goal from the centre of midfield.

The Irishman controls the game well, slows it down where necessary and is relishing his chance after having a season to slot in at Fratton Park.

He has started all 19 league games this season and there is no doubt that he is one of the first on the team sheet.

CM – Danny Rose

Rose is another of this season’s new signings and experienced promotion last season with Northampton Town, so he certainly brings a different dynamic to the team.

To date, fans remember his performance against high-flying Plymouth, producing a fantastic strike that almost secured the three points.

A true fighter, the 28-year-old can ping a ball across the midfield as slots in nicely to Cook’s playing style.

All-in-all, a perfect summer signing!

LM – Milan Lalkovic

Lalkovic is a controversial decision to include since in recent weeks he has found himself on the bench.

However, when called upon, he has risen to the occasion and showed flashes of brilliance with his fast feet, proving an absolute menace for defenders.

The Slovakian scored his first goal for the club in a 5-1 win over Barnet, but produced his best performance in a blue shirt in a 3-0 home win over Crawley Town, winning the man-of-the-match award.

Although, he has tough competition from Kyle Bennett in order to make Cook’s starting line-up.

AM – Gary Roberts

Roberts had started the season off with a bang, but has had a quiet few weeks recently.

In the early stages of the campaign, he netted five goals in four games, proving fearless from the penalty spot as well as producing assists left, right and centre.

The 32-year-old is another player who has had experience at a higher level, also turning out for Ipswich Town, Huddersfield Town and Swindon Town.

Here’s hoping this pays off come May!

CF – Conor Chaplin

Conor Chaplin is a fans’ favourite and he is starting to become one of Cook’s too!

Last season’s top goalscorer has established himself in the starting line-up this year and is really making his mark, despite being just 19-years-old.

The striker, who came through the academy at Fratton Park, has netted five times this term, including a superb goal against Wycombe that had the crowd on their feet.

He works incredibly hard and can outpace defenders whenever required, meaning that he is a definite in the Blues’ strongest XI.