Credit: 10 News First/Imago

Matthew Chadder

Sat 12 April 2025 14:07, UK

John Mousinho has left Thomas Waddingham out of the squad for Portsmouth against Derby County.

After four defeats from their last five matches in the Championship, Mousinho’s side are fighting for survival.

As a result, Portsmouth’s clash with Derby at Fratton Park is arguably their biggest game in years, with the Rams sat 21st, just three points behind their hosts on Saturday (12 April).

Victory is incredibly important for Mousinho and his players, with Portsmouth clear favourites to beat Derby, likely due to their fine form at Fratton Park. However, a strange decision has been made ahead of kick-off.

Waddingham absent for Portsmouth v Derby

Supporters are likely to be feeling nervous as they make their way to Fratton Park for what is arguably Portsmouth’s biggest game of the season.

Therefore, those fans will be looking for anything to ease their nerves. However, a decision made by Mousinho is only likely to have made things worse.

Mousinho has made five changes from the 1-0 Championship defeat at Coventry on Wednesday (9 April), and supporters will be delighted to see Rob Atkinson in the lineup.

However, Waddingham has been left out of the squad entirely, which is a strange decision after the striker made his debut for Pompey in midweek.

Therefore, supporters will want some clarity as to why this has happened, with fears of a potential injury likely to arise.

Portsmouth cannot afford defeat against Derby

There is nowhere to hide for Mousinho and his players at Fratton Park on Saturday.

This clash with Derby is a proper six-pointer, and one which Portsmouth cannot afford to lose. Should Pompey claim victory, they would move six points clear of the Rams, and potentially also the bottom three, depending on results elsewhere, with four games left to play.

However, defeat would open the door for 22nd-placed Cardiff City to move level on points with Portsmouth, which is the last thing Mousinho needs at this stage of the season.