Portsmouth would love to be a mid-table side

After last season's tough opening in the Championship, Portsmouth head into their second season in the division knowing the size of the challenge ahead and a much kinder set of early fixtures.

Colby Bishop and Josh Murphy were outstanding in attack last term, and Pompey will be hoping for more of the same from the pair. Keeping them fit and firing will be key.

John Swift's move to his local club has a romantic element, but he also brings some vital Championship experience. Their other new recruits are unproven at this level. A fit Callum Lang will feel a little bit like a new player.

There are more additions to come, with head coach John Mousinho suggesting there could be as many as five more new faces. There were no key permanent departures, but how Pompey would love to have found a way to re-sign loan pair Freddie Potts and Rob Atkinson.

Mousinho pointed out numerous times last season that Pompey were not quite a mid-table side yet. They would love to become one this year.

Avoiding relegation is the objective, and steering clear of the battle to avoid the drop would be an excellent season. Anything beyond that is probably just for the dreamers.