John Mousinho has committed to making more unexpected lineup changes in order to avoid exhausting his Portsmouth team as they strive to secure a return to the Championship.
In a surprising move, Mousinho left out Jack Sparkes and Joe Rafferty for the midweek match against Cambridge United, opting instead to promote Connor Ogilvie and Zak Swanson in their positions. This tactical decision resulted in a goalless draw, but Portsmouth maintained their four-point lead at the top of League One.
This weekend, Portsmouth faces a struggling Reading side currently second from the bottom of the table, dealing with financial issues and planned protests from supporters. Despite Ogilvie’s absence due to injury, Sparkes is expected to return to the lineup, but Mousinho has made it clear that he’s ready to continue rotating his starting eleven.
Mousinho explained, “I understand that the inclusion of Zak in place of Joe may have been a surprise, especially given Joe Rafferty’s excellent form. However, if it weren’t for Zak’s personal tragedy, it would have been difficult to displace him from the team after his performance against Derby. Given Joe’s consistent performances this season, it’s also challenging to leave him out. We have two right-backs in top form.”
Mousinho emphasized that the goal is to manage player workload and game schedules effectively, and no players have complained about fatigue. He believes in utilizing the depth of his squad to handle the demanding schedule. Mousinho stated, “We have fit players eager to contribute, making my selection decisions difficult.”
He highlighted the versatility of the squad, with players capable of adapting to different positions. As a result, rotation has been evident in various positions, except for Colby up front. With a series of upcoming matches, including an FA Cup fixture, an EFL Trophy match, and a league game, Mousinho is focused on keeping his squad fresh and in peak condition.
Mousinho explained, “We have a packed schedule with little time for rest, so our physical preparation and fitness must be on point. It’s essential to manage the squad effectively given the tight fixture list.”
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