Mousinho axes ace after Sheffield United – Portsmouth starting XI v Cardiff
John Mousinho has made one change as Portsmouth take on Cardiff City in the Championship at Fratton Park.
Freddie Potts has made way for Isaac Hayden following a poor performance at the weekend away at Sheffield United, though an injury precaution could be behind the decision.
Pompey were desperately unlucky on the road – not for the first time this season – last time out on Saturday against Chris Wilder’s promotion contenders (8 February).
The midweek clash under the lights at Fratton gives Pompey the chance to leapfrog their opponents and build on an encouraging last few months of home form.
Freddie Potts taken out by John Mousinho
Potts has enjoyed an excellent individual season on the whole, the young midfielder operating in the Championship for the first time.
The West Ham United loanee has been a regular at the hub of Mousinho’s midfield, but misses out from the starting XI against Cardiff and could return at the weekend.
With Pompey only enjoying an average of 43.3 per cent possession (FBRef) – the second-lowest behind Millwall in the division so far this season – the long and direct route is at times preferred across the field.
While this originates from the scarily long kick of Nicolas Schmid, Potts’ long distribution is often also called into action but has resulted in just a 39.8 per cent lofted ball accuracy (Fotmob).
Elsewhere, the positive display at Bramall Lane means the remaining 10 players all keep their place, with Schmid starting in goal, goalscorer Connor Ogilvie at left-back and Zak Swanson starting at right-back.
Conor Shaughnessy and Rob Atkinson have enjoyed their partnership in central defence since it recently blossomed, while Potts is replaced by Isaac Hayden alongside the improved Andre Dozzell.
Josh Murphy has been as projected an outstanding threat on the left, creating himself more shooting opportunities than 88 per cent of other Championship wingers this season (Fotmob), while Matt Ritchie keeps his place on the right.
Callum Lang has registered an average of 10 non-penalty goals and assists this season, a Pompey high, while gaining 12 goal contributions including 10 goals (FBRef). He has been pretty quiet of late and has missed some golden chances, but will be aiming to get back to his brilliant best in behind Colby Bishop.
Portsmouth have chance to climb the table
Portsmouth have the ultimate chance to climb the Championship table, with Cardiff placed directly above them with a further point.
The Blues suffered heartache at Bramall Lane at the weekend in the latest in a series of harsh lessons at this level, but appear to be the dominant side in the lion’s share of their home fixtures.
Pompey were poor at Cardiff in the reverse contest in the Welsh capital on 22 October, trailing by two goals after just 13 minutes, and that’s how it stayed on an apathetic away trip.
The fans will be sure to once again make a cauldron of noise to pack the Park, and a win would go a huge way to hopefully securing survival.