View: 87% Portsmouth ace will be key v Sheffield Utd after what he did in Burnley defeat
Regan Poole will be key for John Mousinho if Portsmouth are to claim their first win of the season against Sheffield United.
Pompey have struggled since returning to the EFL Championship. After drawing their first three games back in the division, Mousinho’s side have lost their last three on the bounce to leave them 23rd in the table with just three points on the board.
They were also eliminated from the Carabao Cup in what has been a very difficult start to the 2024/25 season.
After having most things their way in their EFL League One title-winning campaign last time out, Mousinho and his players will be desperate to turn things around.
However, it doesn’t get any easier for Pompey as they prepare to welcome Sheffield United to Fratton Park on Saturday (28 September).
Portsmouth have been riddled with injuries this season, which hasn’t made life back in the Championship any easier.
Mousinho confirmed on Wednesday (25 September) that Callum Lang was the latest casualty, with the top scorer expected to be out for “two to three weeks” (via Andy Moon, 25 September).
Therefore, the recent return of Poole was a huge boost for Mousinho, with the centre-back coming off the bench after more than 10 months on the sidelines in the 3-0 defeat to West Brom at Fratton Park (15 September).
And the defender will once again be key against Sheffield United.
Regan Poole a key player for John Mousinho and Portsmouth
Poole came on in the 76th minute against the Baggies and demonstrated his quality on the ball, completing 87 per cent of his passes, while also making one interception and winning an aerial duel (Sofascore).
He was then fit enough to start in the 2-1 defeat to Burnley at Turf Moor (21 September). Despite an extended period on the sidelines and the fact that he was returning against one of the Championship’s best teams, Poole didn’t look out of place at all.
In fact, he was arguably one of the best players on the pitch, and his performance in defence almost earned his side a valuable point away at Burnley, until a stoppage-time Josh Brownhill strike sunk Portsmouth’s hearts.
The 26-year-old made six clearances, blocked five shots and produced three tackles. In addition, he won three ground duels and two aerial duels, with the Pompey backline very busy throughout the match.
While he only managed to complete 64 per cent of his passes and failed to provide an accurate long ball forward from seven attempts, as per Sofascore, his defensive display was immense.
Leaking goals has been an issue for Mousinho’s side this season. However, they have also played the majority of the top teams in the Championship.
Therefore, with Poole back, and some more favourable matches on the horizon, confidence should still be high among supporters of surviving in the Championship.
And if they’re able to get a result against Sheffield United, that confidence will only grow.
In other Portsmouth news, the players at the club reacted to their EA FC 25 ratings ahead of release.
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