Freddie Potts can dominate for Portsmouth after triple Watford blow
Portsmouth can secure their Championship status with a victory over Watford on Easter Monday, if other results go their way.
Pompey are six points clear of the drop zone with just three games remaining after their thrilling 5-3 victory over Norwich on Friday.
John Mousinho’s men showed their attacking prowess against the Canaries, as striker Colby Bishop scored a perfect hat-trick.
After winning away from home at Norwich, the Blues will now look to beat Watford and enjoy their first home win since a 1-0 triumph over Blackburn on 29 March.
Watford are missing three key midfielders against Portsmouth
Pompey have been handed a boost ahead of their important Championship clash with Watford, as the Hornets will have to cope without the midfield trio of Moussa Sissoko, Edo Kayembe, and Giorgi Chakvetadze.
Sissoko and Kayembe were both shown red cards on Friday as Tom Cleverley’s men were beaten by Burnley, and will miss Watford’s encounter at Fratton Park thanks to suspensions.
Meanwhile, Georgia international Chakvetadze has not been able to feature for the Hornets since 5 April after sustaining a foot injury.
Potts can capitalise on Watford’s midfield issues
Freddie Potts has largely performed well for Portsmouth in the Championship this term while on loan from Premier League West Ham.
| Freddie Potts stats [FotMob] | Championship 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 34 |
| Pass accuracy % | 77.6 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Goals | 1 |
He has made 34 appearances in the second tier this term, notching one goal and four assists in the process, and the midfielder is a real asset for Mousinho’s men, both in and out of possession.
The 21-year-old can look to control the game for Pompey against Watford, who are lacking their usual presence in the middle of the park without the likes of Chakvetadze and Kayembe.
Sissoko is also a threat for the Hornets when he is in Cleverley’s lineup, while his absence could help Potts perform at his creative best while also fulfilling his defensive duties.
Portsmouth look set to win the midfield battle against a heavily weakened Watford side, and Potts can play his part in that while also dictating the tempo of the game when in possession.