John Mousinho starts four new signings in first XI of season for Leeds United v Portsmouth
John Mousinho has named his first starting XI of the new Championship season, as four new Portsmouth heads start at Leeds United.
Jordan Williams, Andre Dozzell, Sam Silvera and Elias Sorensen all come into the side as the first game in the second tier for Pompey looms in over 12 years.
The Blues officially confirmed their starting XI for the opening weekend on their X account [10 August] as an emotionally charged day takes place at Elland Road.
Four new faces start for Portsmouth
Portsmouth are raring to go and have named four of their eight summer signings in the starting XI, with Danish striker Sorensen leading the attack in the absence of Kusini Yengi, and Colby Bishop as he rehabilitates from his heart issue.
Sam Silvera starts on the left-hand side with Matt Ritchie fit for a place on the bench.
Jordan Williams slots in at right-back having previously played in the division with Barnsley, and Dozzell partners skipper Marlon Pack in the heart of the midfield.
It’s a huge game for Ryley Towler who sits alongside Player of the Year Conor Shaughnessy at centre-half – the former Bristol City man started just three League One games last season and has plenty to prove to Mousinho.
Free hit mentality for Portsmouth fans
Although it’s an eagerly anticipated day, the pressure is unarguably on Leeds, who have no margin for error in their mission to get promoted at the second attempt.
The aim for the Blues is consolidation and the sold-out away end will act as a huge catalyst for the team to play with the shackles off.
Whilst a potential hiding would be disappointing, there is a quiet confidence that Pompey can put in an organised and competitive performance.
Some predict Portsmouth can even snatch a result from Elland Road, and with the unpredictability of the Championship, it wouldn’t raise as many eyebrows as first thought.
In other Portsmouth news, Andy Cullen opens up on potential sanctions for the club.
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