Alternative Pompey XI: what Blues' starting line-up for Accrington could look like if John Mousinho made sweeping changes following play-off misery; gallery
By Mark McMahon
Published 20th Apr 2023, 12:00 BST
Updated 20th Apr 2023, 12:10 BST
Pompey head coach John Mousinho will weigh up handing first-team opportunities to fringe players after conceding Pompey’s play-off challenge is over.
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.
The midfielder is still playing catch-up when it comes to fitness and sharpness after his long period on the sidelines. He needs momentum ahead of a big pre-season for him and is also included simply because of a lack of options currently available to John Mousinho. It would have been ideal to include Jay Mingi in this alternative starting XI to face Accrington, but that seems a long shot. Photo: Jason Brown
The 16-year-old has leapt into fans' consciousness in recent days after the wing-back was linked with a move to Manchester City. But in fairness to the talented teenager, it's his performances for the academy that should have supporters taking note of his ability. He took his goal tally to 18 following a double against AFC Wimbledon on Saturday and is clearly a player in form. Handing a 16-year-old his first senior outing is always a difficult one. But there's no better time than now, with the Blues' season effectively over. The former Arsenal youngster also already has first-team match-day experience, having been named on the bench three times this season. Photo: Jason Brown
Pompey's top scorer hasn't netted in his past five games as he, frustratingly, remains on 19 League One goals for the season. He deserves the chance to break the 20-goal barrier, though, against his former club. Doubt there's much appetite, either, to drop Bishop for either Joe Pigott or Dane Scarlett. Photo: Jason Brown
Let's face it, the former Fleetwood man is yet to hit his straps since his move to Fratton Park in January. His 12 appearances to date have resulted in no goals and just one assist. That's not to say, though, that judgements should be made. The 22-year-old needs a consistent run of games to get his confidence up. Like Lowery, momentum is key ahead of an important pre-season. Photo: Jason Brown