'Not ideal' - Portsmouth faithful react to starting XI for south-coast derby v Southampton as big calls made
Pompey have made four changes for the south-coast derby v Southampton at St Mary’s
Pompey fans on social media have been reacting to the starting XI named by John Mousinho for today’s south-coast derby at Southampton.
The Blues boss has made four changes for the game at St Mary’s with Regan Poole recalled to the team for the injured Conor Shaughnessy and starting alongside Jojo Dia at centre-back.
That’s a forced decision on the head coach after centre-back Shaughnessy picked up an injury in the draw against Blackburn last time out.
However, the head coach has made three big calls elsewhere in his team selection, with keeper previously-dropped Nico Schmid starting at the expense of Daniel Bielica, Ebou Adams getting the nod over Rocco Shein in midfield, and Adrian Segecic dropping to the bench to facilitate Colby Bishop’s return to the side.
Injuries to Benjy Arthur, Connor Ogilvie, Josh Murphy and Luke Brooke-Smith have also forced Mousinho’s hand, while there’s no room in the match-day squad for John Swift. However, Marko Milovanovic has been deemed fit enough to be named among the bench following injury.
Regardless, Pompey fans have been expressing their opinion on the side Mousinho has opted to contest the latest south-coast derby.
Pompey fans react to starting XI v Southampton
@pfclowey: Best 11 we have right now.
@whcallum: The thought of Dia and Poole needing to play 90 is frankly worrying, Pack stint at CB surely guarenteed.
@PORTSMOUTHFCLEE: Meghoma and McQueen will be so important, delighted Pack and Adams start.
@Dann_PFC: Absolutely not our strongest team, just do us proud today boys.
@pfcnoah: Ballsy from Mous, gonna destroy Bielica's confidence though.
@84Knight: Interesting. CB pairing isn’t great, Bishop up top not ideal, but I do like the fact Schmid and Adams are starting.
@swatkins95: Schmid should never have been dropped in the first place.
@bradl3yv: Will we ever get the chance to field a half decent team against these?
@DanielE64141682: Other than the CB issue I don’t mind it.
@Michael60774449: As expected sadly.
@TheChief657: The curse of the centre backs. Crying out for a consistent performer there to play alongside Poole.
@Keefinnit101: Set up to nullify them rather than anything else. Be interesting.