‘Josh Murphy must take advantage at Portsmouth’ after Norwich flop v Burnley
Josh Murphy has the perfect opportunity to shine for Portsmouth after Norwich struggled against Burnley last time out.
The Canaries faced Scott Parker’s side on 11 April and fell to a 2-1 defeat at Turf Moor and now look set to host Pompey a week later.
John Mousinho will be hopeful of his side picking up a huge win at Carrow Road on 18 April to end any fears of relegation from the Championship.
The English head coach will once again be relying on Murphy, who will be licking his lips at the prospect of facing his former side in Norfolk.
Murphy to take advantage of Kellen Fisher v Norwich
The 30-year-old has easily been one of the best players at Fratton Park this season and has played a key role in avoiding relegation.
Although this isn’t confirmed, an assist in a draw against Derby County went some way to helping the PO4 side move away from the bottom three.
| Position | Club | Games played | Goal difference | Points |
| 19. | Portsmouth | 42 | -16 | 46 |
| 20. | Hull City | 41 | -9 | 44 |
| 21. | Derby County | 42 | -10 | 43 |
| 22. | Cardiff City | 42 | -21 | 42 |
With that being said, three points away from home would likely confirm a place in the Championship next season with three games remaining.
Murphy is set to have a telling impact at Carrow Road if he is to come up against Norwich defender Fisher at the weekend.
The 20-year-old featured for 90 minutes against Burnley but was unable to make a positive defensive impact as he failed to win a single tackle [FotMob].
This was added to by losing three duels on the day, while Jaidon Anthony scored the winning goal down the same flank as the Englishman.
This will be music to the ears of Murphy as he completed one dribble and created two chances against Derby, which could be amplified up against Fisher.
Murphy has chance to save Portsmouth
Mousinho’s side have won just one of their last five games in the second tier and are being dragged back into the relegation race.
Rob Atkinson both saved a point against the Rams while also costing them with his bizarre brace and own goal combination at Fratton Park.
This sort of uncertainty isn’t helping Pompey, who are in desperate need of maintaining their place in the second tier ahead of the new campaign.
Murphy could be the man to secure that at Carrow Road if he can take advantage of his old side’s frailties to boost his own tally.