John Mousinho urged to start "rapid" Portsmouth FC ace v Sheffield United and drop Paddy Lane | OneFootball

FLW's Portsmouth fan pundit has suggested a potential change in Pompey's attack ahead of their clash versus the Blades.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Portsmouth face an in-form Sheffield United side at Fratton Park on Saturday in a game which could be vital in kick-starting their 2024/25 campaign.

John Mousinho's side are yet to pick up three points in the Championship so far this season, and a test against a firing Blades side is the last thing he needs.

They currently sit in the relegation zone, whilst Chris Wilder's side are showing they are a comfortable top six side.

Questions have been made of Pompey's attacking outlet, scoring four goals in their last five games.

Could it be time for a change for Mousinho, who may need to make brutal decisions in pursuit of a first win.

"He's shown glimpses" - Portsmouth verdict on potential change ahead of Sheffield United encounter

FLW's Portsmouth fan pundit, Miltos Ioannidis, has given a potential perspective for Mousinho to consider ahead of Saturday, with Liverpool loanee Harvey Blair being introduced into the starting lineup for the first time.

"I think first of all, against Burnley, we probably had one of our better performances of the season, if not the best.

"We look like a side that can compete and can stand firm against the big boys, and we certainly put up a starting lineup that was much better than the one we played versus West Brom and certainly better than Sunderland.

"In those games, we were competitive. I thought that against Burnley we managed to nail down a few positions. For example, if you'd asked me the same question a week ago I would've told you that I wanted to see someone like Freddie Potts starting instead of Andre Dozzell.

"For this weekend, I would say an attacking change is needed. Not because this player has been awful by any means, but I just think that an impact sub role would actually benefit this player for now, and I'm going to say Harvey Blair in place for Paddy Lane.

"I think Blair has shown glimpses of what he can do and what he can offer. He is at the stage now where he needs consistent game time. I want to see more of his rapid pace which can contribute to our attack and a start at Fratton Park against Sheffield United would actually suit him a lot.

Blair can add something different to the Pompey attack

The 21-year-old winger is yet to have his chance on the Fratton Park stage.

He's shown signs off the bench and provides a rapid option which could work in a game at home versus a superior side.

Lane could be the unfortunate recipient of this decision, but as seen against Burnley, Pompey can play fluid, attacking football against the big teams and, with Blair's attributes, he suits this style.

Lane has been brilliant in his three-season spell with Pompey but is yet to really hit the ground running in the Championship so far this campaign, and with their lack of goals, Blair can add a spark that Portsmouth are missing.

Mousinho's side are lacking an end product which Lane did an excellent job of providing last season, but having not given Blair a start so far, Mousinho could see the advantages of rotation in the Championship, which Lane never really experienced in League One.

It's been a grueling start for Pompey in their return to the second tier, and a clash against the Blades won't make it easier, but Blair could be the difference.