Cohen Bramall must start for Portsmouth v Preston after what Ogilvie did
John Mousinho should start Cohen Bramall for Portsmouth against Preston North End after what Connor Ogilvie did last time out.
Portsmouth have found some form in recent weeks, winning four of their last six games in the Championship.
As a result, Mousinho’s side are seven points clear of the relegation zone. However, that does not mean they are safe just yet, as things can change very quickly in football.
Therefore, Mousinho and his players will be keen to get back to winning ways against Preston at Deepdale on Saturday (15 March), especially after their bitterly disappointing defeat last time out.
Following their huge 1-0 win against top of the table Leeds United at Fratton Park (9 March), Pompey were beaten 2-1 by the Championship’s bottom club Plymouth Argyle, once again at Fratton Park (12 March).
And after Ogilvie’s performance against the Pilgrims, it is finally time for Mousinho to hand Bramall his first start for Portsmouth.
Bramall ‘must start for Portsmouth v Preston’
Mousinho is expected to make one Portsmouth change against Preston. However, the 38-year-old should consider making at least two and bring in Bramall for Ogilvie.
There are several reasons why this change would make sense. Firstly, Portsmouth plan to enter contract talks with Bramall, and handing him more starts would certainly help accelerate those talks.
In addition, considering the quick turnaround from the game against Plymouth to the trip to Deepdale, rotation could be useful. However, the most important reason as to why Ogilvie should be replaced by Bramall is the two players’ performances last time out.
| Portsmouth fixtures | Result | Date |
| V Leeds at Fratton Park | 1-0 | 9 March |
| V Plymouth Argyle at Fratton Park | 1-2 | 12 March |
| V Preston North End at Deepdale | TBC | 15 March |
Ogilvie started against Plymouth and although he did make four clearances and win eight of his 11 ground duels, he was also dribbled past once while he lost his only aerial duel [Sofascore].
In addition, the 29-year-old gave possession away 18 times and failed to provide an accurate cross from two attempts, while just two of his eight long balls were accurate.
Meanwhile, Bramall was introduced in the 55th minute, replacing Marlon Pack, and the left-back would go on to win 100 per cent of his aerial duels, play one key pass, and succeed with two of his three dribble attempts during his 35-plus minutes on the pitch.
Bramall has a point to prove at Portsmouth
Since moving to Fratton Park in January, Bramall has featured in all but one of Portsmouth’s Championship games. However, he is yet to start a match for the club.
All seven of his appearances have come from the bench, and after Ogilvie’s lacklustre performance against Plymouth, now is the perfect time for Mousinho to hand Bramall his full Portsmouth debut.