'Proper end of season line-up, that. Just don't get humiliated' - Portsmouth fans react to starting XI and bench named for Stoke game
John Mousinho has handed a host of his fringe players a rare starting line-up place for today’s game at Stoke
Pompey fans on social media have been reacting to the starting XI and bench John Mousinho has named for the Blues’ penultimate game of the season at Stoke.
The visitors have made five changes to the side that lost 5-1 to Coventry City on Tuesday, which is the same night the Fratton Park outfit secured their place in next season’s Championship.
That has likely come into the head coach’s thinking, with Josef Bursik, Hayden Matthews, Luke Le Roux, Harvey Blair and John Swift given rare starting berths.
As a result, Regan Poole, Marlon Pack, Conor Chaplin, Nico Schmid and Millenic Alli drop out.
But whle Poole, Chaplin and Alli are named on the bench, Schimd and Pack have been given the day off completely, alongside Conor Shaughnessy.
With the so-called ‘fringe’ players given their chance, there’s definitely an end-of-season vibe about the side named for today’s bet365.com encounter.
And that’s reflected in fans’ posts on X as they react to the starting XI and bench put together for the match against Stoke.
Here’s what supporters have been saying after the Pompey teamsheet was published...
@BourbonBert: I was expecting a couple of changes for players to get a rest but sweet baby jebus. Fear it may be a long afternoon.
@InitPfc: Gotta love a Mousinho starting 11 after safety, big games for a few fringe players!
@AronJLewis: We really want 21st place.
@Thomas_2791: The fact Mackenzie Kirk can’t get on the bench ahead of Jacob Brown when Mousinho is naming this team should tell you enough about his short-term Pompey future.
Let's put in a performance and send our loyal fans home happy. A few players playing for their futures.
Take the opportunity. I never like it when we lose. Even today. Standards.
@Brooke_Smedley: We are conceding 12 and I’m all for it.
@jayleggett1: Proper end of season line up that.
@SamMcEwan17: Glad we get another chance to see Mathews in action. Hopefully Waddingham gets some minutes. Very surprised Bowat not starting, need to see if he’s good enough.
@BlueArmyAlex: Poor Bowat, not fancied at all.
@Billypiscopo: Don’t mind it got nothing to play for just don’t get humiliated.
@jayr1972: Wearing flip flops and carrying beach towels.
For your next Pompey read: Stoke City v Pompey - live updates from bet365.com Stadium