John Mousinho forced to replace key duo – confirmed Portsmouth XI v Middlesbrough
John Mousinho has named his starting XI for Portsmouth as the Blues take on Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium in the Championship.
Conor Shaughnessy is absent from the side alongside Sam Silvera, who is ineligible to face Boro; two new signings are on the bench for the league clash.
Pompey are so far unbeaten in the league following two draws to start the season: a 3-3 thriller at Leeds United, followed by a goalless stalemate against Luton Town at Fratton Park.
Two changes to Portsmouth side
The two alterations made by Portsmouth boss John Mousinho see Sam Silvera come out of the squad, ineligible against his parent club Middlesbrough, and Conor Shaughnessy, who may have picked up an injury or illness issue.
Elias Sorensen regains his place up top with Christian Saydee, who started up front last weekend against Luton, dropping back into the attacking midfield three – Callum Lang moves out wide.
Jordan Williams has slotted into the centre of defence alongside Ryley Towler as Shaughnessy misses out, with Zak Swanson coming in to take his place as he starts at right-back.
Connor Ogilvie’s excellent display against Luton sees him continue; likewise for Will Norris in goal after keeping his side in the game in the first half.
Captain Marlon Pack survives the brief injury scare from the week to partner Andre Dozzell, whilst Paddy Lane is again in on the right flank.
Although there is not too much pressure on Portsmouth as heavy underdogs for Saturday afternoon, the Blues will be looking to nab something from Teesside.
Michael Carrick’s men started with a 1-0 win over Swansea City on the opening weekend and destroyed Leeds United at Elland Road in the Carabao Cup with a 3-0 scoreline, but were beaten 1-0 at Derby County last weekend.
Pompey’s last three trips to the Riverside have all ended in draws, and that is certainly a result the travelling faithful would take, but with the Championship’s unpredictability, a victory is wholly possible.
The club’s away form in League One was sublime, taking 47 points on the road during 2023-24, but the second tier is a different kettle of fish.
There will be plenty of defensive work for Mousinho’s men at the Riverside, that may just pay dividends.
In other Portsmouth news, a timeline emerges on a loan bid for a new striker from the Premier League.
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