View: John Mousinho needs to start 100% Portsmouth ace v Plymouth Argyle
Freddie Potts should be one of the first names on the Portsmouth teamsheet against Plymouth Argyle in the Championship on Tuesday.
Pompey earned a much-needed Championship point last time out, drawing 1-1 with Hull City at the MKM Stadium on Saturday (2 November).
After back-to-back defeats, it was important that Mousinho’s side got a positive result, and they already have another opportunity to try and build some momentum as they travel to Home Park on Tuesday (5 November).
With injuries continuing to be an issue at Fratton Park, Mousinho will have to think carefully about how he manages his squad amid such a demanding schedule.
With a Championship clash at Fratton Park against relegation rivals Preston North End on Saturday (9 November) to think about, Mousinho might be tempted to make changes against Plymouth.
However, the Pilgrims are also struggling at the wrong end of the table, which means this is a good chance for Mousinho’s side to gain some ground on their relegation rivals.
As a result, the Portsmouth boss needs to name a strong team on Tuesday. Therefore, while changes in midfield might be tempting, Potts must start.
Freddie Potts to start for Portsmouth v Plymouth Argyle?
Potts has been a consistent performer in recent weeks, even at Portsmouth’s lowest moments, as the player on loan from West Ham continues to settle in at Portsmouth.
The 21-year-old was once again key in midfield against the Tigers. As per Sofascore, he won 100 per cent of his aerial duels (three out of three) and 80 per cent of his ground duels (four out of five), while also winning a foul for his side without giving any away himself.
In addition, he made two tackles and one interception, as well as playing one key pass. There was still room for improvement, with the Englishman failing to provide an accurate cross from three attempts and completing just 69 per cent of his passes, while also being dribbled past twice.
However, despite these flaws, he still remains a key player for Mousinho and Portsmouth. Therefore, he must start against Plymouth.
With back-to-back fixtures this week ahead of the November international break, Mousinho will be looking for one last big push from his squad, while he also has Marlon Pack to call on, with the captain starting in the bench in Portsmouth’s last two matches.
However, should Pack return to the team, it shouldn’t be Potts to make way for him.
This is a great chance for Portsmouth to go into the international break on a high by taking points off two relegation rivals. Therefore, Mousinho is going to need Potts against both Plymouth and Preston.
In other Portsmouth news, Mousinho has shared his plan for “nuisance” Callum Lang.
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