Tuesday night’s draw at Oxford effectively put paid to those ambitions, although the damage was probably already done following four stalemates in five games leading up to the Kassam Stadium fixture.
Saturday’s Fratton Park fixture against Accrington will provide the first opportunity for Mousinho to ring the changes.
But with players currently out injured or suspended, or the senior members of the youth structure currently out on loan, does the Blues boss really have the capacity to go with something completely different for the game against the Accy? Probably not.
Here’s our alternative XI for the game against Accrington based on availability and the fans’ desire to see changes following four uninspiring draws.
5. Centre-back 2 - Ryley Towler
The January arrival appears to have paid the price for his first-half showing against Port Vale in recent games. He hasn't started a game since the 2-2 draw, which saw him subbed at half-time. That's left sections of the Fratton faithful in uproar, with many questioning John Mousinho's decision each time a starting XI has been named in recent weeks. A recall for the former Bristol City centre-back would go down well. Photo: Jason Brown
6. Left-back - Denver Hume
The former Sunderland defender has played just 105 minutes under Mousinho, which is telling. There's no denying that Connor Ogilvie is rightly ahead of the 24-year-old in the pecking order. But at a time when Pompey's attacking threat has dried up, Hume does offer something more appealing going forward. The £200,000 signing needs game time to resurrect his Pompey career before it's too late. Photo: Jason Brown
7. Midfield 1 - Harry Jewitt-White
The Pompey Academy graduate has endured a frustrating season - both at Pompey and on loan at Gosport Borough. It looked like he was going to get his chance under John Mousinho after he unexpectedly featured as a substitute against Peterborough back in January - four minutes that represented his first-ever league game for the club. Yet he hasn't featured since, making just one match-day squad. Realistically, the youngster is not going to make this current Pompey first team better. But when so many other options have come up short, the 19-year-old at least deserves a chance to prove his worth. Photo: Jason Brown
8. Midfield 2 - Marlon Pack
The midfielder keeps his place following his goal against Oxford - and simply because we all know what the alternative is with Louis Thompson and Ryan Tunnicliffe. Photo: Barry Zee