Portsmouth expert knows ‘absolutely what John Mousinho will do’ v Hull City
Portsmouth have an underrated luxury of heading into the final day of the Championship season with nothing left to play for other than finishing strongly.
It was highly anticipated for much of the campaign that Saturday’s final fixture against Hull City at Fratton Park (3 May) could be a survival decider.
As it turns out, one half of that is true – luckily for Pompey, regarding the away side – who must avoid defeat for any chance of beating the drop to League One.
A draw or even a win might not be enough for former Southampton manager Ruben Selles’ Tigers on the South Coast.
Portsmouth likely to be full-strength v Hull, Ian Darke makes admission
The relegation picture is as tight as it can be in the Championship, with Hull currently on the wrong side of the dreaded dotted line having been beaten by survival rivals Derby County last weekend.
Derby are among those continuing to fight, alongside Luton Town, Preston North End who have been dragged into the battle, and Stoke City – while Plymouth Argyle’s goal difference effectively condemns them along with Cardiff City.
There have been some suggestions that John Mousinho rotates his side as he did to an extent in the 1-1 draw at Sheffield Wednesday (26 April), but TV commentator and Blues fan Ian Darke believes it would be unfair to Hull’s rivals.
Darke, speaking exclusively to Pompey News, acknowledges it “could have been us”, given Pompey spent much of the season attempting to break clear of the chasing pack below them.
“I think Pompey have got to tackle the game in a totally professional manner and take sentiment out of it,” he said.
“They have to go out there and get the game won from their perspective. We know it could’ve been us, and the least teams still battling for survival can expect is that Pompey put in a proper effort and pick a proper team.
“I know that’s absolutely what John Mousinho will do, all while looking after the minutes of Shaughnessy and Lang, who are just coming back. Other than that, I expect a full-strength side.”
Pompey could benefit from relegating Hull
Portsmouth have the ninth-best home record in the Championship this season, and the performances at Fratton Park have provided the backbone to the successful survival bid.
Pompey can secure a 12th win at Fratton this season by overcoming Hull, for whom defeat means the third tier next term.
Should the Blues send Hull packing, some have debated the reignited opportunity to sign Abu Kamara – who was a key part of Mousinho’s class of 2023-24 to win the League One title.
| POS | Championship relegation fight | PLD | PTS | GD |
| 18 | Stoke | 45 | 50 | -17 |
| 19 | Derby | 45 | 49 | -8 |
| 20 | Preston | 45 | 49 | -11 |
| 21 | Luton | 45 | 49 | -22 |
| 22 | Hull | 45 | 48 | -10 |
| 23 | Plymouth | 45 | 46 | -36 |
| (R) 24 | Cardiff | 45 | 44 | -23 |
Kamara’s 20 goal contributions while on loan were pivotal, but Portsmouth were priced out of a permanent move from Norwich City when Hull waded in with a £4.5million offer.
Should Selles’ side suffer the drop, it is likely their higher earners will be off the books, including Kamara – though it is unclear whether Rich Hughes is still interested in the winger.