John Mousinho set to unleash Portsmouth’s hidden gem amid Middlesbrough’s defensive crisis
Portsmouth are ambitiously looking to snap a four-game winless streak against table-topping Middlesbrough.
The poor run has created whispers of Mousinho potentially being sacked by Portsmouth, as the club looks to stabilise as a Championship club this season.
However, the Pompey boss hasn’t had much luck on his side, as Mousinho gave bleak updates on injuries to key players.
Portsmouth are the underdogs against Middlesbrough, but Mousinho will look to use a secret weapon he’s got up his sleeve.
John Mousinho can target Middlesbrough’s thin backline with Yang Min-hyeok
Yang Min-hyeok arrived at Pompey this summer on loan from Tottenham, as the South Korean’s first taste of English football came in a few appearances for QPR last season.
Yang was fantastic against Watford, scoring his first goal for the club, in what was only his second Championship start for Portsmouth.
Boro have little data on the tricky winger, and with their defensive frailties at the minute, Mousinho could look to utilise his fairly unknown gem.
- Yang played 63 minutes against Watford
- He scored in the fifth minute of the game, which came through a throw-in routine
- The winger picked up a Sofascore rating of 7.4
Middlesbrough had to switch from their successful five-at-the-back formation in their last game due to Darragh Lenihan’s injury and Dael Fry’s lack of fitness.
Even then, Boro’s centre back George Edmundson went down after just a couple of minutes, and was replaced by ex-Pompey forward Sam Silvera.
Yang would likely start as a left-winger, and should Boro go for a back-four, he could be up against 34-year-old Luke Ayling, as you would fancy the youngster’s chances.
- Read more: Portsmouth star shows exactly why John Mousinho needs to start him after stellar Watford display
Mousinho’s Portsmouth love a game vs Middlesbrough
Last year, Portsmouth picked up an impressive four points from six against the North-East outfit.
It will be a long journey down for Rob Edwards’ men, as Fratton Park will most likely play a huge role for Portsmouth on Saturday.
| Game | Result | Date |
| Portsmouth vs Boro (A) | 2-2 draw | 24 August 2024 |
| Portsmouth vs Boro (H) | 2-1 win | 18 January 2025 |
Pompey could be facing Boro at the perfect time, with the league leaders having only won once in their last four games.
Mousinho will be looking for a big result that could kick-start Portsmouth’s season right before the international break.
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