View: Matt Ritchie must start for Portsmouth v West Brom after Sunderland display
John Mousinho must ensure he starts Portsmouth winger Matt Ritchie against West Brom at Fratton Park on Sunday (15 September).
It has been an incredibly difficult start to the season for Pompey.
In their opening four matches, they have played the likes of Leeds United, Luton Town and top-of-the-table Sunderland.
They were handed their first defeat of the Championship season by the Black Cats, losing 3-1 at Fratton Park on Saturday (31 August).
And things don’t get any easier for Mousinho’s side as they prepare to host the Baggies after the international break. Carlos Corberan’s side currently sit second in the Championship after an unbeaten start to their league campaign.
Therefore, Mousinho’s side will need to be at their best against West Brom if they hope to get anything from the match, and one player who must start is 34-year-old wide man Ritchie.
Matt Ritchie must start for Portsmouth against West Brom
Ritchie made an emotional return to Portsmouth this summer, returning to the club as an experienced Premier League and international attacker.
However, despite that experience, his minutes have been limited in the Championship thus far, with the former Scotland international starting Portsmouth’s first three league matches on the bench.
He was finally handed his first start against Sunderland last time out and, after his display at Fratton Park, Mousinho would be wise to start him again against West Brom.
Ritchie caused problems on the right-hand side, completing 96 per cent of his passes, with one of those key, and winning three fouls for his side (Sofascore).
In addition, he played one accurate cross into the box and troubled the Sunderland shot-stopper with a shot on target.
He was also useful defensively, with the ex-Newcastle ace winning 100 per cent of his ground duels, making one tackle and one clearance.
While it wasn’t necessarily the most convincing performance, it was an incredibly promising display considering it was Ritchie’s first league start of the season, and in a difficult game too.
Therefore, Mousinho would be wise to give the winger another chance against West Brom.
If Ritchie can match or better his Sunderland display against West Brom, Portsmouth might just get a favourable result against the Baggies.
In other Portsmouth news, the club have discovered a potential gem after one player’s performance from the bench against Sunderland.
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