Improved form, the return of Colby Bishop and the picking up of important points has led to a more settled look to the head coach’s recent team selections.
Six changes were made to his line-up for Sheffield Wednesday’s visit to PO4 - the next game after that forgettable night in Cardiff. Meanwhile, four followed the 6-1 thumping at the hands of Stoke when the Blues took on Oxford ahead of the October international break.
Yet it’s been minimal changes ever since the draw at Hull on November 2, while Saturday’s starting XI against Swansea was the same team that took the field to take on Swansea just days earlier.
That’s all about to change tonight, though, when the Canaries arrive on the south coast thanks to the one-match suspensions picked up by Andre Dozzell and Callum Lang. Both have been key players in Pompey’s recent upturn in form. But now, suddenly, they’ve given Mousinho a massive selection headache that requires a reshuffling of the pack.
The boss didn’t seem too bothered about the prospect when speaking to The News on Monday. He said he had faith in those other members of the squad who can step in and prove a point to him.
But what are the options available to Mousinho as he looks to keep momentum going at Fratton Park? Here’s what he has to choose from…
5. Terry Devlin
Sometimes it’s easy to forget the young Northern Irishman was signed as a midfielder, such has been his impact at right-back in recent weeks. He’s growing in confidence and stature at full-back and would be more effective remaining there than resuming midfield duties. | Jason Brown/ProSportsImages
6. Forward options - Callum Lang suspended
Callum Lang picked up his fifth yellow card of the season against Bristol City on Saturday. | National World
.jpeg?crop=4:3&trim=&width=800)
7. Elias Sorensen
Despite scoring on his debut against Leeds on the opening day of the season, the Dane has endured a frustrating start to his Pompey career as he continues to adapt to what’s required of him at Fratton Park. That’s seen him pick up just four minutes of action since being substituted at half-time at Cardiff. That goal at Leeds remains his only contribution to Pompey’s attacking tally this term. Hopefully, though, Mousinho will have spotted something in training to suggest improvements are on the way. | Portsmouth FC
8. Paddy Lane
It’s fair to say Lane has struggled to repeat his heroics of last season in the Championship. As a result, the 23-year-old has seen himself move from a definite starter to more of a back-up option as Pompey have settled for an attacking four of Josh Murphy, Callum Lang, Matt Ritchie and Colby Bishop in recent games. That doesn’t mean to say the door is closed on Lane. Of course not. We all know what he’s capable of and he’ll be more determined than anyone to prove he’s Championship quality if he gets the nod against the Canaries. | National World