Marlon Pack starts in four changes – Portsmouth predicted XI v Luton
John Mousinho could make up to four enforced changes to his Portsmouth starting XI ahead of this weekend’s trip to Luton Town.
Pompey will look to secure a fourth successive league win at Kenilworth Road on Saturday (1 March), against a Luton side propping up the Championship table and scrapping to avoid back-to-back relegations.
Injuries have besieged Mousinho and Portsmouth this season but the head coach has defiantly refused to be drawn into dwelling on the issue.
He has also declined to comment on any potential injury updates regarding two players who left Fratton Park last weekend injured – Rob Atkinson and Hayden Matthews – as well as a further duo who were withdrawn as a precaution in Isaac Hayden and Zak Swanson.
Mousinho anticipated to make four changes
Mousinho would ideally have preferred a welcome rest this week to be able to field an unchanged XI at Luton, with the players he is currently opting for proving why they deserve the shirt.
However, in Portsmouth fashion this season, that opportunity is likely to be torn away by yet more injuries; Atkinson and Matthews may or may not be fit for the weekend, while Swanson and Hayden were taken off against QPR as soon as they felt fatigued muscular pain.
Assuming the quartet will not be risked by a head coach who has looked to rotate where possible this year to avoid exacerbating the problem, the backline could be massively altered.
Nicolas Schmid will start in goal with Connor Ogilvie at left-back, but then things drastically change. Regan Poole replaced Atkinson during the first half at Fratton last Saturday and may be drafted in to start alongside Ryley Towler, who didn’t even make the squad last time out.
Terry Devlin and Swanson have alternated at right-back in the absence of Jordan Williams, and Devlin could get the nod if Swanson is not 100 per cent.
Marlon Pack has shown himself to be a defensive option who has albeit divided opinion in that area this campaign, though he would be likelier to start in midfield while doubt remains over both Hayden and Freddie Potts. Andre Dozzell will partner whoever is cleared to start.
The front four, fortunately, appear to have no issue, with Josh Murphy and Matt Ritchie in inspired form on either flank, both finding the net against QPR; Colby Bishop will again start up top, while Adil Aouchiche continues to fill the void left by top scorer Callum Lang.
Portsmouth still have enough to put Luton away
Even without the four players who started against QPR – worst-case scenario – Portsmouth still have plenty in the tank to overcome Luton.
The Hatters have been woeful this season having built a Championship-ready squad when promoted to the Premier League in 2023, only to find themselves on the brink of successive relegations to League One.
There just appears to be zero confidence left in the Luton squad, and a dominant start for Pompey could see the home crowd get on the backs of their players pretty rapidly.
| Portsmouth injuries sustained v QPR (22 February) | Minutes played |
| Hayden Matthews | 90 |
| Zak Swanson | 61 |
| Isaac Hayden | 61 |
| Rob Atkinson | 39 |
Of course, the Blues’ rotten away form in large parts of this season does mean Matt Bloomfield’s team will sense an opportunity, even if Mousinho’s men did emerge victorious a short journey away at Oxford United in their last away trip (15 February).
Following the fixture at Kenilworth Road, Pompey have three of their remaining four games in March at Fratton Park, where they have excelled. A win against the basement boys could really help set up the business end of the season.