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Two proper clubs going toe to toe - why Leeds v Pompey excites Mousinho

A visit to Leeds might be one of Pompey's toughest looking trips of the season as they begin life back in th Championship - but John Mousinho is happy with the hand the fixture computer has dealt them.

'It really is a brilliant one for us to go to a club of Leeds’ size, stature and history,' he told the Pompey website ahead of the Saturday lunchtime clash. 'After the play-off disappointment they experienced at the end of last season, everyone will be raring to go on their side.

'We’ve also got great anticipation ourselves, especially given that we haven’t been in the Championship for so long. It’s two proper clubs that will be going toe-to-toe and everything about this fixture provides so much to look forward to.

'We’ve been working very hard over the past few weeks and it’s a really exciting time for all of us at Pompey. It’s the first game of the season and we’re all raring to go. We’ve sold out our allocation and it promises to be a great occasion.'

Josh Murphy may be missing after a knock picked up in the friendly at Charlton last week, while Tom McIntyre and Jacob Farrell don't look ready to play though are not far off. Matt Ritchie and Andre Dozzell could both feature just days after joining.

Regan Poole and Colby Bishop are longer-term absentees, though Bishop has now had his heart surgery.

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