'Very confused. Would have started...': Portsmouth faithful all say same thing on key selection decision for Stoke City

The Fratton faithful have been left puzzled by Thomas Waddingham’s absence against Stoke City.

John Mousinho makes two changes to the side who secured an impressive 3-1 win over Swansea City in midweek.

Marlon Pack is recalled to the engine room after being rested on Tuesday, with the skipper replacing the injured Iyad Mohamed, who did not make the 20-man squad.

The 25-year-old was forced off against the Swans in the second half with a calf problem, although the head coach was optimistic his issue was not serious.

Abu Kamara also returns to the starting XI in place of the injured Marko Milovanovic, who suffered a quad issue in the Swansea triumph. Mousinho had already ruled out the 23-year-old, with the Blues awaiting the results of a scan.

Marezi’s absence subsequently sees Tyrese Shade move from the left into the number nine role, with Kamara slotting in out wide.

To the surprise of some supporters, however, Waddingham is not handed his first start of the campaign, despite scoring from the bench in two of his previous three appearances.

The Aussie’s fitness is still being carefully managed by the Blues after a number of injury setbacks since his January 2025 arrival.

But the decision to leave him on the bench has been questioned by some members of the Fratton faithful, who are also disappointed to see Mohamed ruled out through injury.

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Pompey verdict on side to face Stoke City

@archie72776: Why are we not starting Wadds?

@TheChief657: Didn’t expect Tuesdays lineup either, another Mous masterclass incoming. Up the Blues.

@AlfJohn2003: Prophets injured then.

@Tomeames4: Is McQueen injured or has a knock?

@PompeyData: Big Mo injured.

@evanbolzo: Who the hell playing where?

@SteveoLarham: Bailey or Segecic on the left I would assume otherwise nice team.

@84Knight: Can’t wait to find out after the game that Mohamed is out until March. Would have started Waddingham and try and get ahead rather than bringing him on towards the end and potentially need a goal for a point.

@Rich03832303: Kamara on the left then? Can’t move Segs from the right after his performance on Tuesday

@Daveyboy1995: Like it! Shame about Mohammed getting injured. Up the bloooos

@AlanRay1169790: We don't want to push Waddingham to hard and he break down. He probably can't play 30 mins or 45 mins yet.

@HazzaTWood96: Line up looks OK, but I hope both Mohamed and Marezi will be ok as well. Here's hoping for a decent Pompey performance this afternoon

@ODJchef: I’m very confused at the line up:/ but okay.

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