Swanson axed, key man back in two changes – Portsmouth predicted XI v Leeds
John Mousinho could make two changes to his Portsmouth side as league leaders Leeds United make the trip to Fratton Park.
Sunday’s encounter (9 March) pits Pompey against Championship frontrunners Leeds, whose attack has been blindingly clinical this season.
The two sides last met on the opening weekend (10 August) in an unforgettable 3-3 draw from which Portsmouth were introduced back to the intense pace of Championship football.
Mousinho to welcome back key midfielder
Portsmouth will look to bounce back this weekend after handing Luton Town their first win of the calendar year last Saturday (1 March).
Mousinho could make a couple of alterations to his starting XI from Kenilworth Road, with Freddie Potts now presumed fit enough to return to the starting line-up having been an unused substitute last time out.
Potts has impressed this season and the sooner he is reintegrated into the side the better, and it would be likely that Isaac Hayden is sacrificed to the bench with Andre Dozzell continuing his impressive Portsmouth form.
Terry Devlin signed a new contract at Fratton Park last week until 2028, reflecting the admirable versatility he has shown to carve out a way of starting games on a semi-regular basis.
He was benched last weekend in favour of Zak Swanson, though this could change on Sunday due to Devlin’s physical attributes off the ball, which could benefit Pompey against a Leeds side expected to dominate at Fratton Park.
Another interesting team selection dilemma is in central defence, with Mousinho again preferring to deploy midfielder Marlon Pack alongside Regan Poole and leave out recognised centre-half Ryley Towler. It is a 50/50 call, but the head coach may be inclined continue with skipper Pack.
Portsmouth should take the game to Leeds
Portsmouth may be tempted to err on the side of caution this Saturday against a Leeds side oozing goals and creativity.
Daniel Farke’s visitors will come to Fratton expecting to create, score and win – there is no doubt about it. They are leading the charge to become champions for a reason, and have netted 72 times in 35 league matches so far.
Pompey survived most of the whitewash from Leeds’ pressure early on in the Championship opener back in August, and eventually grew in confidence and snatched a draw in a rollercoaster encounter, even taking the lead twice.
| 10 August 2024 | LEEDS UNITED 3 | PORTSMOUTH 3 |
| Struijk (pen) 10′ | ||
| Sorensen 23′ | ||
| Lang 41′ | ||
| Gnonto 46′ | ||
| Lang (pen) 90+2′ | ||
| Aaronson 90+5′ |
But Mousinho’s men have reaped most success at Fratton from flying out of the traps, fearing no opponent and playing the game at their own intense pace. To show too much respect to a Leeds side who can batter down any low block in the division could be a self-destruct move.
It will be intriguing to see how the head coach sets up his side, and particularly who he names in that starting XI come 11am on Sunday.