Freddie Potts dropped, two changes – Portsmouth predicted XI v Sheff United
Portsmouth manager John Mousinho could make two changes to his starting line-up when his side face Sheffield United on Saturday.
The Fratton Park outfit travel to Bramall Lane (8 February) to take on the promotion contenders with the chance to move six points clear of the relegation zone.
West Ham loanee Freddie Potts may be one of two casualties from the team that started in the 0-0 draw to Burnley (1 February).
New signings Kaide Gordon and Adil Aouchiche are in line to start from the bench, while Jordan Williams. Regan Poole, Paddy Lane, Kusini Yengi and Mark O’Mahony are out with injury.
Portsmouth to make two changes for Sheffield United clash
Hammers loanee Potts created the joint-most chances in the clash with Burnley with three, and also recorded an 86 per cent pass completion, but he might be rested on this occasion after winning just 33 per cent of his three ground duels. [Fotmob]
Robert Atkinson is expected to be rotated and could be replaced by Marlon Pack, who made nine clearances and five recoveries against Scott Parker’s side.
However, with a clash against fellow strugglers Cardiff City on Tuesday (11 February), it makes sense for Mousinho to rest some starters as he did in the 5-1 loss to West Brom on 25 January.
Nicolas Schmid is expected to keep his place between the sticks after making five saves and 11 recoveries at Fratton Park on Saturday.
The rest of the backline is predicted to be the same as the draw with the promotion-chasers, with Zak Swanson, Conor Shaughnessy and Connor Ogilvie tasked with stopping the Blades attack.
The latter was particularly impressive against the Clarets, winning both of his ground duels for a 100 per cent success rate and four of five aerial duels that he contested for an 80 per cent success rate.
Isaac Hayden might replace Potts in the starting line-up to partner Andre Dozzell – he won both of the tackles that he attempted for a 100 per cent success rate in a 25-minute cameo against the Turf Moor outfit.
Matt Richie and Josh Murphy are expected to continue on the wings, with Lang in the attacking midfield role which saw him create the joint-most chances with Potts against the Clarets.
Colby Bishop is predicted to get the nod against Chris Wilder’s side – the 28-year-old had four shots and took nine touches inside the opposition box on Saturday.
Gordon and Aouchiche may make an appearance from the bench at some stage if Mousinho feels like his team needs fresh impetus in attack.
In other Portsmouth news, Don Goodman has highlighted one Pompey star who is vital in their relegation scrap.
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