'Best we’ve had in Championship. Harsh': No-nonsense Portsmouth verdict as key duo return for Burnley encounter

The Fratton faithful have declared Pompey’s team at Burnley as the Blues’ strongest since their Championship return.

John Mousinho has been boosted by the return of key duo Josh Murphy and Conor Shaughnessy, who have been deemed fit enough to make the bench after completing their injury lay-offs.

Murphy, of course, has been sidelined since August with a groin injury which subsequently required surgery after sustaining the setback in just his second outing of the campaign against Lincoln City.

The winger has featured just 18 times for the Blues since the start of last season, with Pompey hopeful the 2024-25 player of the season can put his injury woes behind him.

Meanwhile, Shaughnessy is back in the fold having missed the previous five matches due to a calf problem.

The centre-back was forced off in the 63rd-minute of the Blues’ 2-2 draw with Blackburn Rovers before the international break having previously started six of the of the opening seven matches.

The duo bolster Mousinho’s bench, while Jayden Meghoma replaces Terry Devlin in the starting line-up in the only change from their 2-1 triumph over Millwall last-time out.

And the return of both Murphy and Shaughnessy has excited the Fratton faithful as the Blues look to continue their outstanding run of form against early strugglers Burnley.

Here’s the best of the reaction from X.

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Pompey faithful all say same thing as key duo return for Burnley contest

@HazzaTWood96: Line up looks decent, here's hoping for a decent Pompey performance away at Burnley this afternoon, PUP.

@mrannonymo66765: Strongest bench we've had for a long time.

@jm1ln3: This might be the best lineup/bench combo we’ve had in the Championship. COME ON POMPEYYY.

@Palmrick_pfc: Like it please stay fit Murph.

@PFCOllie_: Quality team and a very powerful bench.

@PORTSMOUTHFCLEE: That’s the team I would pick. Murphy and Shaughnessy back in the squad is the cherry on top.

@markj2k73: All of a sudden bench looks very strong. As long as they don’t come on and go down injured asap. Come on lads lets get a positive result

@w4ters_08: Best team we’ll get for the season by far.

@zaksarge_: That bench is naughty. Best we’ve had in the Championship.

@nathanwardiipfc: JOSH MURPHY IS BACK (for half a game till his hammy and my heart breaks).

@StronnerJack: Strong 11 and strong bench. CMON POMPEY 3 POINTS AND PLAYOFFS

@pastie440: Must be close to the best 20 we’ve had since being back in the Championship

@pfclowey: Harsh on Devlin but Meghoma has been pretty solid so no complaints, Murph back is lovely.

@wate8181: Segecic and Kamara need a good game today. Kamara in particular. Still think Kamara need a few games out of the side and Segs playing off the right. Would like to see Shein or Bailey in the 10.

@blublud84: Good squad, best players back fit, on a great run of form, away to a team who havent won at home in a year. We know how this goes.

@Chalfonticus: Kamara masterclass incoming.

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