PORTSMOUTH’S Championship struggles have put head coach John Mousinho in a precarious position, with recent results pushing the team to the bottom of the table.
Pompey’s return to the Championship has been rocky, yielding only one win in their first 11 games, with a record of one win, five draws, and five losses. While a glimmer of hope emerged with a 2-1 victory over Queens Park Rangers on Saturday — the team’s first win of the season — the momentum was short-lived.
Tuesday’s clash with Cardiff City saw Portsmouth concede twice in the first 13 minutes, falling to a 2-0 defeat and further dampening morale.
Mousinho’s side, now under increasing scrutiny, faces Sheffield Wednesday at Fratton Park on Friday, where they remain winless in six home games. Portsmouth’s defense has struggled significantly, conceding 23 goals in 11 matches — the highest in the Championship.
Along with the others challenges, Pompey have not claimed a victory over Sheffield Wednesday at home since October 2000, and the Owls’ recent form against Portsmouth has been strong, winning three of their last five meetings.
Sheffield Wednesday, sitting in 12th place, arrive in need of points but with greater confidence after taking seven points from their last five games. They come off a recent 0-0 draw with Swansea and a prior 2-1 away win over Coventry City.
With an attack that has produced only three goals in five away matches, Sheffield Wednesday sees an opportunity to improve their scoring record against a struggling Pompey defense.
Portsmouth’s injury troubles only heighten the pressure on Mousinho, with Will Norris, Ibane Bowat, Conor Shaughnessy, Jacob Farrell, and Colby Bishop sidelined.
Additionally, injuries to Roman Schmid, Jordan Williams, and Paddy Lane from Tuesday’s game force Mousinho to consider alternative options, with Jordan Archer likely making his debut in goal.
Mousinho’s future at Portsmouth may hinge on Friday’s performance. A win could alleviate some of the mounting tension, but a defeat might amplify calls for leadership changes as Pompey seeks to regain stability in the Championship.
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