Portsmouth handed huge survival boost after development behind the scenes
Portsmouth are set to take on Blackburn Rovers at Fratton Park later on 29 March.
John Mousinho named his eleven to take on the Rovers in what is now a must-win game for Pompey.
They’re sucked into a relegation battle and the last thing they would want is to go back down the same season they returned.
Jordan Williams’ return to the matchday squad is a huge boost
Jordan Williams’ return to the matchday squad against Blackburn Rovers on 29 March is a massive boost for their relegation battle.
The 25-year-old defender, sidelined since January, brings a robust skill set that could stabilise a backline desperate for consistency.
| Club stats 2024-25 | Williams |
| Appearances | 17 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Yellow Cards | 5 |
| Minutes Played | 1,106 |
His season stats – 15 league starts, 82.4% pass completion, 3.22 tackles per game (97th percentile), 1.84 interceptions (98th percentile), and 1.56 blocks (90th percentile) – highlight his defensive reliability and ability to thwart opposition attacks.
Portsmouth, hovering precariously above the drop zone, have struggled defensively,and Williams’ knack for winning 1.47 aerial duels per game (74th percentile) and making 2.3 clearances per game adds much-needed grit.
His progressive passing and carries also offer an outlet to transition play, easing pressure on a side often pinned back.
Mousinho will carefully integrate Williams back into the Portsmouth eleven
Beyond stats, his return injects experience and composure into a squad that’s leaned heavily on makeshift options during his absence.
However, it’s important that Mousinho carefully integrates him back as he’s been out with an injury for two months and has had no first-team action.
He has worked hard behind the scenes but is still not at a 100 per cent.
His tackling and interception numbers rank among the league’s elite, meaning he’s not just a body but a game-changer who can disrupt the opposition’s rhythm.
After missing for weeks, his inclusion in the squad signals a timely recovery and even if he’s eased back, his presence lifts morale.
For a Portsmouth side clawing for points, Williams’ blend of defensive solidity and ball-playing ability could be the difference between survival and the Championship abyss, making his return a pivotal moment in their 2024-25 campaign.