Portsmouth friendlies create big question over three of Mousinho’s defenders
Portsmouth have enjoyed a solid run of pre-season friendlies so far this summer.
Pompey have won all three of their friendly fixtures thus far without conceding. However, perhaps more importantly, there have been no major injury concerns to worry about either.
Instead, most of John Mousinho’s first team have been allowed to regain match fitness.
However, there is one question about Mousinho’s side that remains unanswered.
Mousinho might be stumped over who to start at centre-half
Most Portsmouth fans would agree that three centre-backs are fighting for a starting position in Mousinho’s team.
Regan Poole and Conor Shaughnessy are arguably the favourites. Both have been dependable over the last couple of years, although they’ve barely played together due to injury issues.
Then there’s Hayden Matthews, who remains young and inexperienced, having only signed from Sydney FC last January.
However, he has impressed in a Portsmouth shirt whenever he’s had the chance to play. Mousinho spent a lot of money to sign him and remains a huge admirer.
It was thought that Portsmouth’s pre-season fixtures might reveal who Mousinho’s preferred starting centre-halves might be.
However, all three defenders have been given time together, and none of them have put a foot out of place.
Tougher pre-season fixtures lie ahead for Portsmouth
Pompey have faced two non-league teams and League Two Crawley Town so far in pre-season.
A downside of that is that your defenders might not be tested as much as a manager would like.
That has been the case with Portsmouth’s friendlies so far. Mousinho’s men have dominated possession throughout most of these games.
Tougher tests lie ahead. Pompey visit League One Reading on Saturday (26 July). Their annual trip to Havant and Waterlooville follows. Then, a friendly at Fratton Park against Eredivisie side PEC Zwolle.
| Portsmouth’s remaining pre-season fixtures | Date |
| Reading (A) | 26 July |
| Havant and Waterlooville (A) | 29 July |
| PEC Zwolle (H) | 2 August |
These matches may give Pompey’s defenders more food for thought, and potentially the opportunity to nail down their place in Mousinho’s plans.
Ibane Bowat may also feature in these games. The young defender has been terribly unlucky with injuries since signing from Fulham last summer. He has not made a senior appearance for Portsmouth yet, but will be hoping for the chance to prove his worth to Mousinho as well.
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