Mousinho in dilemma after Williams news – Portsmouth predicted XI v Burnley
John Mousinho has key defensive decisions to make ahead of Burnley’s visit to Fratton Park to take on Portsmouth this Saturday.
Pompey have been reliant on their home form of late but were found wanting on Tuesday night (28 January) via a 1-0 Fratton defeat by Millwall, as in-form right-back Jordan Williams was absent with a hamstring issue.
A bright spark is that Conor Shaughnessy returned to action after five months out with two separate calf injuries, and Hayden Matthews completed 78 minutes on his Championship debut at centre-half.
Mousinho could make one change for Portsmouth v Burnley
It now looks as if Williams will be forced to miss another contest at Fratton – a real shame considering his dominant performance against Stoke City during the win on 22 January.
Zak Swanson is expected to once again start in his place with Nicolas Schmid in goal and Connor Ogilvie at left-back, though the Blues are working hard on their recruitment and could have reinforcements through the door to feature.
Centre-half is an interesting area for the head coach, who has admitted Shaughnessy is not yet ready to start, with Ryley Towler now potentially set for a loan exit again. Rob Atkinson should be in contention after missing the Millwall defeat, so it will be two from he, Matthews and Marlon Pack.
Pack’s positional play wasn’t great in midweek, and Mousinho could be tempted to try the Australian youngster alongside Atkinson, who himself carries plenty of experience. Isaac Hayden and Freddie Potts should continue in the middle of midfield but do not be surprised to see Andre Dozzell come in, possibly for Hayden.
The strongest front four should once again start unless Mousinho sees it vital to give one or two a rest. Matt Ritchie still looks fit as a fiddle down the right and Josh Murphy was the most threatening attacking outlet of the second half on the left on Tuesday.
Callum Lang and Colby Bishop were not quite at the races last time out, but are the most potent central threats of the Pompey attack and must start against the Championship’s best defence.
In other Portsmouth news, Don Goodman has played down reports of a link to a Celtic ace at Fratton Park.
For more Portsmouth news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.