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…
9. Christian Saydee
A bit of a John Mousinho favourite because of his industrious work-rate, strength and power, it wouldn’t come as a surprise to see Saydee handed the responsibility to fill the void left by Lang. The only downside is the former Bournemouth man’s numbers. In the 51 league games he’s played for the Blues, only four goals and three assists have been accumulated. | National World Photo: Jason Brown
10. Sammy Silvera
The on-loan Middlesbrough man is an option. His pace, skill and ability to take on defenders would surely be an asset against Norwich, who will be prone to counter-attacks tonight. However, like Sorensen, it’s been a frustrating season to date for the Aussie, who is yet to really show the Fratton faithful his true capabilities. There’s always tonight, though! Photo: Jason Brown