Portsmouth predicted XI v Sunderland – Ogilvie out as ace return due
Portsmouth could make one change from the side that thrashed Swansea City on New Year’s Day ahead of Sunday’s trip to Sunderland.
The long journey to Wearside (5 January) could see John Mousinho drop Connor Ogilvie from left-back, with Australian summer signing Jacob Farrell now appearing to be in contention to return.
The signal long-term is that Farrell is intended to be the first-choice option, despite Ogilvie playing his part in a clean sheet against Swansea at Fratton Park.
A much more difficult test is expected against Regis Le Bris’s side, who massively helped their promotion bid on Wednesday night (1 January) with a win over Sheffield United.
Portsmouth predicted XI v Sunderland (A)
While Mousinho may be tempted to go unchanged at Sunderland, the Portsmouth boss is likely to try and strike a balance.
Away form has been a let-down for the Blues of late, and the last thing they need after the Swansea win is a 350-mile trip home from the Stadium of Light on the end of a battering in the freezing cold.
Rotation did not go to plan away at Bristol City (29 December), and Mousinho will bear that in mind as Nicolas Schmid retains his place in goal, and Zak Swanson keeps his place after an excellent display on Wednesday despite Terry Devlin’s impressive performances. Ryley Towler – whose mooted loan may now be off the cards – should partner captain Marlon Pack at the heart of the defence.
It is at left-back, however, where the backline could change. Farrell, 22, looks to have put his knee injury behind him [The News, 31 December], which has plagued the majority of his time in the UK so far. Ogilvie has looked suspect away from home and may not be risked against agile Sunderland winger Patrick Roberts.
Freddie Potts has gone from strength to strength in the middle of the park and should again slot alongside the improving Andre Dozzell, while Paddy Lane – criticised for how he has coped so far at Championship level – deserves to remain on the right while in form, scoring against Swansea last time out.
The alternative to Lane is Matt Ritchie, who knows the North East very well having been a Newcastle United player for eight years. He will likely play some part, and will be gleefully reminded of his Geordie ties by the Mackem faithful. Josh Murphy must start on the left – the team look a lot more efficient going forward when he features.
The obvious two remaining are nine-goal star man Callum Lang, whose Championship displays this campaign have been largely sensational. He has really exceeded expectations and will be fearless against a Sunderland backline who can be inconsistent at times. Colby Bishop will lead the line, fresh from his goal to kick off 2025.
In other Portsmouth news, Mousinho reveals when he expects signings in the building at Fratton Park.
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