Credit: Imago

Matthew Chadder

Sat 26 April 2025 14:08, UK Updated Sat 26 April 2025 18:24, UK

John Mousinho has handed one player his debut for Portsmouth as the team to take on Sheffield Wednesday is confirmed.

Portsmouth have already secured their place in next season’s Championship after beating Watford 1-0 at Fratton Park on Monday (21 April).

As a result, the travelling supporters will be in a fine mood as they make their way to Hillsborough to take on Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday (26 April).

Pompey’s clash with the Owls is their final game on the road this season, and after struggling away from home all year, Mousinho and his players will be keen to sign off on a win.

However, rather than naming his strongest possible team, Mousinho has taken this opportunity to hand some fringe players a chance to prove themselves.

Mousinho axes Nicolas Schmid for Portsmouth

Sheffield Wednesday are favourites to beat Portsmouth on Saturday.

Danny Röhl’s side are four points clear of Mousinho’s men and have home advantage. Therefore, it was always going to be a tricky afternoon for the visitors.

And Mousinho’s team selection hasn’t made things any easier in South Yorkshire.

The 38-year-old has made several changes, with Ben Killip making his debut for Portsmouth, replacing Schmid in goal.

Meanwhile, Terry Devlin and Conor Shaughnessy replace Jordan Williams and Regan Poole, while Andre Dozzell comes in for Adil Aouchiche and Harvey Blair is handed a rare start in place of Matt Ritchie.

Naming this team gives Mousinho a chance to take a look at some different players ahead of next season. However, it does make winning at Hillsborough more tricky.

Mousinho will be looking ahead to next season at Portsmouth

Portsmouth will no doubt want to end the season well and finish as high up the Championship table as they possibly can.

However, Mousinho is likely to already have one eye on next season as he looks to improve Portsmouth and avoid another relegation battle.