John Mousinho told how to avoid Portsmouth ’embarrassment’ again
John Mousinho has to consider altering his team shape when Portsmouth head to Sheffield United to avoid “embarrassment”, according to Ian Darke.
Mousinho takes his side to Bramall Lane on Saturday (8 February) in what is expected to be a backs-to-the-wall encounter against one of the Championship’s most formidable sides.
Pompey were thrashed 5-1 at West Brom (25 January) in their last away outing, with form on the road having become a severe concern.
There is also a worry among supporters that Mousinho will make several changes to his line-up to prioritise a fully fit side for home fixtures, something which massively backfired against the Baggies when three days later losing at home to Millwall.
Portsmouth could be cost survival by away form
TV commentator and Blues fan Darke has urged Portsmouth to improve their away form, only winning once on their travels this season – against QPR back on 19 October.
By contrast, Fratton Park has played host to some excellent results which have so far saved Pompey, who hover two places above the Championship relegation zone.
“The takeaway of recent games is that they’re going to have to start nicking some points away if they want to stay up,” Darke exclusively told Pompey News.
“They can’t keep turning in the sort of embarrassing performances we saw at West Brom.
“I’ve said before they should maybe look to get an extra body in midfield away from home, but Mousinho seems to be pretty rigid with his shape.”
Mousinho ultra-committed to 4-2-3-1
Team selection and rotation concerns aside, Darke is one of many Pompey fans who believe Mousinho should at times consider being fluid with his preferred shape.
Only once have Pompey started without a 4-2-3-1 formation in a game this season in all competitions, the exception being when the head coach started with an injury-enforced 4-4-2 at Watford on Boxing Day (FBRef).
Sheffield United will provide one of the sternest tests of the campaign so far as they chase automatic promotion, having spent freely in recent transfer markets to try and secure an instant Premier League return.
Chris Wilder’s men will be anticipated to dominate possession and try and impose themselves on the midfield, while Pompey will seek to spring a surprise having enjoyed a productive transfer window, signing eight new arrivals.
The Blues managed a hard-fought goalless draw at Fratton Park last time out against the Blades on 28 September.