Pompey's next three games: Sat 1 March - Luton A Sun 9 March - Leeds H Wed 12 March - Plymouth H Do you think JM will/should rest some key players for the Leeds game (at the risk of being hammered) to keep them fresh and injury free for the (more winnable) Plymouth game 3 days later?
Both Luton and Argyle games are winable to my mind, but Leeds will be a tricky match to win, so yes, rest important players, and bring in some of our reserve players to give them playing time.
Not within three games but I've got a ticket to Preston away. Assuming Avanti worst coast aren't terrible as usual, it'll be my first Portsmouth game since August 2023
I think we should play our best, or almost our best, side in front of our home crowd. I also feel getting a point off Leeds is not entirely out of the question. Who are the players we could rest? Goalkeepers do not benefit from a rest as on field players do so I would continue with Schmid. In the back line Ogilve is arguably due a rest due a rest and Bramall is a natural replacement. However, except for a short spell during the chaotic last stages of the Luton game we have not seen him play as defensive back. Also, should he play and play well, it would be unfair not to play him against Plymouth and unfair to leave Ogilvie out! Ogilve's presence in the opposition's penalty area has been an important aspect of our goal threat of late which I doubt Bamell could replicate. Potts could replace either Dozzel or Haydon but this would not necessarily be looked at as resting a player but as a decision based on form. In the forwards Gordon could be allowed to give Richie a rest since he made a good impression as a substitute against Luton. He does however appear to be very one footed. Aouchiche should hold the number 10 position through lack of alternatives. He also NEEDS game time. However, I am not yet convinced he is a better no 10 than Richie could be, and, if Gordon is successful, Richie could move to the No 10 position or at least share it with Aouchiche in subsequent games. Yengi's return provides an opportunity to rest Bishop. However, despite not scoring Bishop is very good at drawing defenders to the near post when Murphy's crosses come in which leaves space behind him. I doubt Yengi could replicate that skill. Which leaves Murphy. If we leave him out we almost surrender hope of a point given his recent imput -so I think he must play. As an aside however, should Murphy get injured the left footed Gordon may well be our second best in that position. For me Potts in midfield and Gordon on the right wing would be viable changes and possibly Yengi for Bishop. Anything further would be the complete surrender of a home game. having said that my preference would be for Towler in the back four rather than Pack but that has nothing to do with Pack needing a rest. From a leadership point of view however, it would be difficult to omit Pack and Richie from the same side. PUP
