Ruben Selles makes ‘dramatic’ Portsmouth admission ahead of Hull showdown
Portsmouth will relegate Hull City if they claim their 12th home win of the season at Fratton Park this weekend.
Matchday 46 beckons for Pompey (3 May) in front of their jubilant supporters, ready to provide a congratulatory atmosphere for John Mousinho and his squad following completion of their survival mission.
For Hull, it could not be more different. Defeat at Fratton will consign them to third-tier football next season, and even a draw could see them plunge into League One depending on results elsewhere.
Cardiff City are gone; Plymouth Argyle are all-but-gone. Ruben Selles’ side currently occupy the third and final relegation place, rivalled by Luton Town, Derby County, Preston North End and Stoke City.
Selles prepares for ‘maximum pressure’ in ‘dramatic’ Fratton frenzy
Portsmouth supporters have long memories, and many will remember Selles from his recent time with Southampton.
However, given he was part of the regime that took Saints down from the Premier League in 2023 – initially as Ralph Hasenhuttl’s assistant and then short-term manager himself – he could ironically be considered rather more fondly by the Pompey fans.
The 41-year-old is desperate to avoid another drop, this time into League One where he had previously managed Reading after leaving St Mary’s. Hull also have in tow last season’s Pompey promotion hero Abu Kamara.
Speaking to the Hull Daily Mail (2 May), the Tigers boss has admitted the afternoon’s action will be “dramatic”, and is attempting to channel the pressure positively as his side have 90 minutes to save their own souls.
“Yes, it’s going to be dramatic. It’s going to be what it is, but that is when you want to find yourself. You don’t get better as a club, as a team, as a manager, just managing 50/50 games,” Selles explained.
“You get better going through those games and experience what this is, maximum pressure. So let’s do it, I’m looking forward to it.”
Portsmouth and Hull played out a 1-1 draw at the MKM Stadium in this season’s reverse fixture on 2 November, at a time the Blues themselves were trapped inside the bottom three.
Player of the Season Josh Murphy equalised right at the start of the second half, cancelling out Joao Pedro’s opener.
Portsmouth likely to field strongest side v Hull
Portsmouth were under no pressure externally to field a strong starting XI when they faced Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough last weekend (26 April).
The contest, which was drawn 1-1, was notable for Harvey Blair’s first senior goal – a player whose opportunities have been lacking for Portsmouth this season, alongside others who featured.
| Ruben Selles – English football management | Games managed | Win rate |
| Southampton (2023) | 17 | 11.76% |
| Reading (2023-2024) | 78 | 43.59% |
| Hull City (2024-present) | 27 | 33.33% |
This time around, there are four other Championship clubs battling to remain in the second tier – and John Mousinho and the Blues would not be looked upon ever so fondly if they played a weakened side.
Several loanees who have made an impact for Pompey this term will play what could be their final-ever games in a blue shirt – among them Rob Atkinson, Isaac Hayden, Freddie Potts and Mark O’Mahony.