Two new signings to start, no Kusini Yengi – Portsmouth potential XI for trip to Leeds United
As Portsmouth reassemble their squad for the 2024-25 season in the Championship, there are expected to be changes aplenty in John Mousinho’s first XI of the campaign.
The recruitment mission to strengthen the pool of players at Mousinho’s disposal is well underway with several signings now in the building, and the club having been meticulously ruthless in whom they have offered new contracts.
Pompey take on Leeds United on 10 August at Elland Road, in what BBC reporter Andrew Moon described as a “brutal start” – particularly when followed up with tests against all three relegated Premier League clubs, Sunderland, Middlesbrough and West Brom – all before September ends.
Keen to add Championship experience to a fairly young squad, Mousinho and his staff have recruited Josh Murphy, Jordan Williams and Jordan Archer all on shrewd free transfers, alongside Boro’s Australian international Sam Silvera on loan.
Judging by the business carried out up until a month before the big kick-off at Elland Road, here’s how Mousinho could line up his opening weekend starting XI.
Portsmouth potential XI vs Leeds United (A)
With Archer an astute piece of business as goalkeeping cover for Portsmouth, it is likely Mousinho will still opt for Will Norris to start as number one, following a strong season last time out with 19 clean sheets.
Former Barnsley captain Williams is in line to be first-choice at right-back following the departures of Joe Rafferty and Zak Swanson, whilst Connor Ogilvie – one of just two free agents offered a new deal this summer – should remain at left-back ahead of Jack Sparkes.
Conor Shaughnessy is a shoo-in at centre-half following an impeccable campaign in 2023-24, which resulted in multiple player accolades including Players’ Player of the Season and a place in the League One Team of the Year. He has just signed for another three years at Fratton Park, and should line up against his former club Leeds alongside either Regan Poole or Tom McIntyre.
Both Poole and McIntyre have struggled with injuries since arriving at the club but boast undoubted ability, even more important now Sean Raggett has departed – McIntyre is the likelier to be fit.
Marlon Pack will once again lead the side from the engine room in midfield, with the local lad having signed a new deal – bringing steel and experience to the team – and could be partnered by Owen Moxon, though midfield reinforcements are expected.
On the right-hand side, Pompey will undeniably miss the end product of Abu Kamara who returns to Norwich City, with the possibility of 12-goal wide player Paddy Lane coming over to this flank.
Both Murphy and Silvera operated mainly on the left channel for their respective clubs last season, with other options including Christian Saydee and Callum Lang, but Murphy is likely to get the nod.
Lang could however start in the number 10 role, which he and Saydee often shared during the run-in last season in a fluid attacking setup from Mousinho – the former Wigan man’s experience may give him the edge to start.
Up top, Kusini Yengi has continued on his upward trajectory with a successful spell away with Australia – but if Mousinho continues as expected with a solitary frontman, Colby Bishop will start at Leeds.
Bishop hit 21 goals in League One last season and hit the target with around half of his attempts, and will relish the step up to the second tier.
In other Portsmouth news, Pompey Women have offered a former Arsenal forward her first professional contract.
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