John Mousinho axes Hayden in two changes – Portsmouth predicted XI v Watford
John Mousinho could make two changes to his Portsmouth side to face Watford on Monday, with Isaac Hayden potentially set to drop to the bench.
Pompey are set to welcome Tom Cleverley’s side to the south coast just three days after their 5-3 win against Norwich City in the Championship.
A Colby Bishop hattrick combined with goals from Matt Ritchie and Regan Poole proved to be the difference to secure a huge three points in the survival race.
Now Mousinho is preparing for a clash against the Hornets, which could earn a spot in the second tier for next season.
This could see a pair of changes be utilised in PO4 as the English head coach looks to mathematically achieve safety.
Hayden axed for Portsmouth v Watford
In what has been an up-and-down season at Fratton Park, things finally look set to be secured with three games remaining.
The success of Mousinho’s side has been down in part to Nicolas Schmid, who has been superb in between the sticks, and he looks set to start again, against Watford.
The defensive line ahead of him looks likely to feature one change as Connor Oglivie, Poole and Rob Atkinson look set to start again. This could see Jordan Williams drop out of the side on the south coast, with Zak Swanson potentially set to come in from the start on the right.
Mousinho could utilise another change at the base of midfield as Hayden could drop out to be replaced by Andre Dozzell alongside Brad Potts.
Ahead of the duo, Adil Aouchiche could remain in the side with Ritchie and Josh Murphy on the flanks after the trio combined with one goal and three assists between them at Carrow Road.
Up front, there is little reason to make a change after Bishop netted a Championship hattrick last time out in just 75 minutes in Norfolk.
Portsmouth can survive with win v Watford
All Pompey needs to do is secure a win if they want to earn safety in the second tier, regardless of what anyone does around them.
| Position | Club | Games played | Goal difference | Points |
| 18. | Portsmouth | 43 | -14 | 49 |
| 19. | Oxford United | 43 | -18 | 48 |
| 20. | Hull City | 43 | -10 | 45 |
| 21. | Derby County | 43 | -11 | 43 |
| 22. | Luton Town | 43 | -25 | 43 |
The Hornets won’t represent an easy opponent, but they lost 2-1 to Burnley last time out and picked up two red cards with both Moussa Sissoko and Edo Kayembe being sent off.
This could make life easier for Mousinho and Co., who will be keen to get past Cleverley, who has little to play for this campaign with his side sitting 12th.
The south coast club will need to get the best out of likes out of Bishop and Murphy, who were both superb last time out.