Why Rasmus Nicolaisen isn't starting, EFL Trophy refunds and the sudden unveiling of the 4-4-2 - Your Portsmouth questions answered

1) With Jackett saying that all the squad will be needed, is it time to start rotating a few players? They say never change a winning team, but I'm worried about fatigue if KJ keeps playing the same team twice a week, week in, week out! Giving players like Nicolaisen, Pring, Close etc will keep players like Whatmough fresh?

(Paul Mellon via Facebook)

Good point about fatigue. For me, itwas one of the key reasons for the collapse in the second half of the 2018-19 campaign.

Ben Thompson recalled, Oli Hawkins’ injury and over reliance on personnel ultimately saw the season fade as the long-term league leaders finished fourth.

Of course, Pompey also have a smaller squad this season. It is at 22 senior players – the maximum permitted by the Football League.

Jackett will need to rotate this team and key to understanding who needs resting will be performance data and medical assessment. For example, is someone’s running distances down? Are they picking up fatigue niggles?

This is the job of the Blues’ backroom and we trust them to keep an eye on it.

Regardless, Jack Whatmough won’t play every game (he was rested at Southend in the EFL Trophy) and Cam Pring has already been given four starts.

2) Raggett still looks like a mistake waiting to happen, so why is he getting in ahead of a player who could potentially be playing champions league standard football? Waste of a loan spot?!

(@MikeTattooed_)

Many fans are bringing up the lack of a starting presence Rasmus Nicolaisen, with Sean Raggett seemingly under fire.

Firstly, let’s not forget Raggett’s contribution last season when he blossomed from a player desperately struggling to one of the Blues’ best - and most consistent - performers.

He even attracted votes from fans for The News’ Player of the Season accolade. So there is plenty of credit for him at this club.

Secondly, following the departures of Christistian Burgess and Oli Hawkins, Pompey were desperate for central-defensive cover. Jackett doesn’t fancy Paul Downing, while you cannot foresee Jack Whatmough’s injury situation.

He had to recruit a new centre-half, Downing as back up to Whatmough and Raggett was not going to be enough in a long season.

There had to be a new arrival – so no way has it been a waste of a loan spot. Besides, Nicolaisen has now given the option of three at the back.

At the moment, Raggett deserves his spot. Pompey have the fourth-best defensive record in the division, with seven conceded in eight League One games.

Nicolaisen is his third choice and there will be games for him. Can never predict loss or form or injuries – or system changes.

3) Why did it take Kenny so long to give 442 a chance? I also agree about rotation. How about giving the likes of Nicolaisen a game and not just play him in the EFL Trophy, even though Raggett and Jack are doing well. If Nicolaisen doesn't play enough he will be recalled to Denmark before the loan ends.

(Shawn Woodward via Facebook)

Good point about Jackett employing a 4-4-2.

He first introduced it at Burton, although it appeared to be a 4-2-3-1. Still it was a triumph, especially for Marcus Harness.

In fairness, the vast bulk of his 90-odd victories as Pompey boss has been with a 4-2-3-1. It is a system he trusts and you can see why – it has brought him successful results.

A strong of poor results brought the change. Scrambling around to find a winning formula. He needed to pull something out of the bag – and it has worked.

Without doubt, it is benefiting John Marquis, while Andy Cannon looks a better fit. With Cannon, previously it was difficult to know where to play him.

As for Nicolaisen, that has been answered earlier. You mention only playing in the EFL Trophy, but he has also appeared as substitute in two of the last four league games.

Both were tactical decisions to help the side hold out for victory – which they managed.

If he gets called back then so be it – a club initiating a recall is out of Jackett’s hands. Remember Ben Thompson?

No manager can worry about what another club may decide in a few months' time.

4) When are we going to get our refunds for the EFL Trophy? They’ve had our money – and interest – long enough.

(Mike Waddington via Twitter)

As Mark Catlin mentioned last week, the postponed final is contracted to take place. Most likely before the March final for the 2021 EFL Trophy.

Potentially, you are looking at January or February, albeit behind closed doors with supporters not expected to be let back in anytime soon.

The club and Football League have long emphasised that refunds cannot be distributed until the date has been fixed. Obviously that hasn’t happened yet.

The thinking is that, generally, people do not know they are unavailable for the 2020 EFL Trophy final until they know the date.

Obviously if it is behind closed doors, everyone is unavailable. But that particular stance has still to be declared.

In terms of interest rates, they have been incredibly low since lockdown. Has been put to me by somebody who understands these things that savings are barely earning anything at present.

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