x

Will Mousinho mix it up at Sheffield United - and will it result in any Pompey mix-ups?

Rob Atkinson, Isaac Hayden, Thomas Waddingham, Hayden Matthews, Cohen Bramall, Adil Aouchiche, Ben Killip and Kaide Gordon. Eight transfer window arrivals that John Mousinho says have given Ponpey a 'good mixture' in their squad.

But quite what mixture he plans to use this weekend at Sheffield United - where Pompey last won 31 years before Mousinho was born - remains to be seen.

A number of recent away games have seen the manager rest senior regulars - and defeats have followed. He has hinted he will need to rotate again with another three-games-in-eight-day spell coming up, but fans will be hoping he does not take too much out of the side that has performed well at home in recent times.

Looking at the strength of the squad now the window has closed, Mousinho told the club website: 'I feel like we’re in a stronger position than we were when we went into the window. We spent some fees, got some loans and there’s a really good mixture – we’ve already seen what some of them can do.

'There were areas where we were looking to strengthen, partly because of some injuries, and I’m delighted we’ve been able to do that. We’ve spoken about needing to be competitive and there were perhaps times this season when we were a result away from getting cut adrift.

'But we’re currently out of the bottom three and have given ourselves a chance going into the final 16 fixtures. Other sides have also strengthened, though, and we’re in a very competitive division, so there’s still a lot of hard work to do.'

Those recent awayday woes are not lost on the head coach: 'We have to be better away from home and a lot it is down to us switching our mindset and having the right mentality.

'We need to play without fear and not react to any adversity because we’ve often been in games until conceding the first goal. There have been positive performances that we have to turn into draws or wins, while also cutting out those dismal showings.

'It’s something we need to address and hopefully that starts on Saturday against an incredibly strong side. Sheffield United are, without doubt, one of the best teams in the league and are now even stronger than they were going into January.

What to read next:

Pompey fans can have their say on wide range of Fratton issues
The Pompey Supporters’ Trust have launched their latest annual supporter survey and are urging fans to give their opinions on a range of topics.
Massive threat - Pompey boss recommends ignoring Luton's league position
They may be out of form - but John Mousinho is not reading anything into the recent form of Luton, Pompey's hosts this weekend.
Portsmouth 2 - 1 Queens Park Rangers - Player Ratings and Reports
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report.
No respite - 'keep going' is Mousinho's message to troops after six-point week
One or two might be tempted to think Pompey have cracked the 'staying up' code after two wins in a week - including their first on the road for four months.
Returning Pompey defender aims to be a regular again
Conor Shaughnessy's return to Pompey's team was one of the few bright spots on a night to forget as the Blues lost to Millwall.
I expect much more of them: Mousinho unhappy with Pompey's Hawthorns effort
John Mousinho said there were no excuses for Pompey folding so badly at West Brom.
Pompey have to keep home fires burning after awayday woes
Pompey have put in plenty of miles in recent weeks - with no reward from any of their road trips - and the manager, players and fans will be delighted to see the next run of five games include four at home.
Chalk and cheese - Mousinho hails Pompey's improved away showing at Sunderland
John Mousinho said he saw plenty to be encouraged about despite Pompey losing 1-0 at Sunderland.
Portsmouth 4 - 0 Swansea City - Player Ratings and Reports
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report.
Mousinho issues warning to Pompey ahead of visit to Bristol City
Pompey boss John Mousinho has warned his players Bristol City could be out for a quick dose of revenge when the sides meet for the second time inside a month at Ashton Gate.