Mousinho benches Ritchie, full debut awarded – Portsmouth predicted XI v Cardiff
John Mousinho could make one change to his Portsmouth side for the visit of Cardiff City to Fratton Park.
Pompey host the Bluebirds on Tuesday night (11 February) in a return home many will be happy with, given the recent contrast in form between PO4 and on the road.
The Blues fought hard against Sheffield United on Saturday at Bramall Lane (8 February) and on another day could easily have emerged victorious, making the eventual 2-1 defeat a bitter pill to swallow.
Portsmouth could make one change v Cardiff
Mousinho was projected to make changes to his team at Sheffield United with many fans fearing the head coach would repeat his decision at West Brom, essentially valuing the game a lower priority than the following midweek home match.
A harsh lesson was learnt that day at The Hawthorns (25 January) courtesy of a 5-1 drubbing, but it was chalk and cheese with an unchanged Pompey side in South Yorkshire who should have been, without exaggeration, two or three goals ahead at half-time against the promotion-chasing Blades.
For this reason, it is unexpected that Mousinho will alter his line-up too much for the visit of Cardiff, who spent the weekend progressing to the FA Cup fifth round via a penalty shootout against Stoke City.
Matt Ritchie could be the man to make way given his heavy dose of recent action – though do not be surprised to see the veteran retain his place, defying his age with his industrious performances.
Josh Murphy is the most in-form attacking player at Mousinho’s disposal, assisting Connor Ogilvie’s equaliser on Saturday, and one cannot see beyond he, Callum Lang and Colby Bishop all starting again. Adil Aouchiche offered his first outing in blue as he replaced Ritchie as the first substitute at the weekend, and could make his full debut.
The defence has been impressive of late and should resume in kind. Zak Swanson and Ogilvie in the full-back slots have certainly improved – very useful while Jordan Williams is sidelined – with Conor Shaughnessy and Rob Atkinson looking the most settled central defensive pair Pompey have seen all season. Nicolas Schmid will continue in goal.
Freddie Potts has had a quiet couple of games but should still keep his place in the middle of midfield, alongside the increasingly impressive Andre Dozzell. Isaac Hayden and Marlon Pack will provide experienced depth which is what the Blues have cried out for over the past few months.
On the bench, the likes of Kaide Gordon, Cohen Bramall and Terry Devlin further bulk out Mousinho’s options.
Confidence high despite Sheffield United defeat
Similarly to away trips against Leeds United and Burnley this season, Portsmouth were desperately unlucky against Sheffield United.
However, it’s a hard lesson thrown at Mousinho’s men once again that chances do not necessarily mean goals, and the Blades duly punished those glaring opportunities Pompey passed up in the first half.
Bishop momentarily thought he’d got on the scoresheet after the break but for the assistant’s flag, while chances began to dry up after Sheffield United took the lead.
Pompey should head back to the island city with plenty of confidence, and despite Cardiff largely improving their own form – bar the 7-0 hammering off Leeds – the Blues should feel they can go out and put Omer Riza’s men to the sword.