Pompey’s head coach John Mousinho promises more shocking selections when his team visits Reading on Saturday.
In midweek against Cambridge, the Blues head coach shocked many by starting Jack Sparkes and Joe Rafferty and Zak Swanson in the starting lineup, even though they had been playing well lately.
In an attempt to prevent burnout among his players, he also started Christian Saydee in the starting lineup. The end result was a goalless draw at the Abbey Stadium. It remains to be seen if he decides to do so at the Royals once more. There won’t be as much opportunity to do so with Ogilvie returning to the sidelines due to an ankle injury, joining Anthony Scully, Tom Lowery, Marlon Pack, and Marlon Pack in the treatment room.
However, there’s still a chance because Sean Raggett and the previously sick Gavin Whyte are back in the running! In light of this, how do we anticipate the Blues to match up with Reading, who are presently sitting second from bottom in the League One standings? Here’s what we’ve managed to come up with.
Pompey head coach John Mousinho has another selection-poser on his hands ahead of Saturday’s trip to Reading
Goalkeeper: Will Norris
Let’s be sensible here. There’s no risk of Norris sitting this one out. It simply won’t happen.
Right-back: Joe Rafferty
The Scouser was handed a rest against Cambridge in midweek. Zak Swanson filled in admirably, but you suspect Rafferty will be back for the visit to the Royals.
Centre-back 1: Regan Poole
The former Lincoln man has been an ever-present for Pompey in the league since his summer move. There’s a reason for that – he’s quality and that means he stays in the team. You doubt whether the topic of burn-out has ever entered his mind.
Centre-back 2: Conor Shaughnessy
Produced another man-of-the-match display against Cambridge in midweek. Like elsewhere in the team, Mousinho will be keen to give Sean Raggett and Ryley Towler some game time, but let’s not do that just yet.
Left-back: Jack Sparkes
Was surprisingly left out of the starting XI on Tuesday, only to find himself called upon within 10 minutes as Connor Ogilvie picked up an ankle injury. The former Exeter man is the obvious choice to step in again as a recall for out-of-favour Denver Hume would be considered too left-field!
Central midfield 1: Joe Morrell
The midfielder’s shove on former Blues team-mate Michael Morrison summed him up perfectly. Aggressive, a willing battler for the Pompey cause, but also frustratingly silly. Despite that, the stand-in captain is a key figure in the midfield and will be needed at the Madejski.
Central midfield 2: Ben Stevenson
If there is talk of surprise selections, there’s a chance they will come in midfield or the three attacking areas behind Colby Bishop. Alex Robertson has operated here in the absence of Marlon Pack but with Pompey struggling to break Cambridge down in midweek, could he be moved up? That potentially leaves a gap alongside Morrell in midfield, and Stevenson seems an obvious choice. He hasn’t let Pompey down when called upon.
Right wing: Gavin Whyte
The Northern Ireland international has missed the past two games through illness. He’s yet to reach the heights many expected of him since his summer arrival from Cardiff. However, he would definitely supply fresh legs at a time when maybe Paddy Lane needs a rest.
Alex Robertson .
The Manchester City loanee is definitely proving his worth to the Pompey promotion cause. A skilful operator, he could resume No10 duties at the Madejski in order to help the supply line to Colby Bishop, who didn’t have much to feed off at the Abbey Stadium.
Left-wing: Abu Kamara
The on-loan Norwich man is perhaps someone who could do with a rest following some decent performances of late. However, with Jack Sparkes filling in at left-back and Anthony Scully out injured, options are more limited here.
Centre forward: Colby Bishop
The Blues’ top scorer hasn’t had much to feed off in recent games – hence the need to reshuffle the pack immediately behind him.
Sub 1: Ryan Schofield
The keeper maintains his place as back-up to Will Norris.
Sub 2: Sean Raggett
Should return to the squad following a sickness bug that made him miss the trip to Cambridge. Will have to make do with a familiar place on the bench, though.
Sub 3: Terry Devlin
The young Ulsterman hasn’t featured in the league since his sub appearance against Port Vale on October 7. He didn’t even make the bench in midweek, but suspect he’ll be back for the visit to the Royals.
Sub 4: Paddy Lane
The former Fleetwood man has been in excellent form for Pompey this season, but you suspect he might be one in need of a chance to recharge the batteries
