Barry Bannan verdict as Portsmouth boss hails ‘really strong’ Sheffield Wednesday players

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For all the drama surrounding Sheffield Wednesday, the existing strength at Henrik Pedersen’s disposal has gone under the radar somewhat. But Portsmouth coach John Mousinho needs no introduction to the qualities of Saturday’s opponents.

Sheffield Wednesday could be without seven players when Pompey host the Steel City outfit.

Pedersen confirmed that Olaf Kobacki and Reece Johnson both picked up injuries during the midweek defeat by EFL Cup surprise-packages Grimsby Town.

The Owls are without star goalkeeper Pierce Charles already, as well as Di’Shon Bernard, Nathaniel Chalobah, Gui Siqueira and Bruno Fernandes.

In contrast, John Mousinho was just happy to return from Southampton with his players largely intact following a fiery South Coast derby last time out, even if defender Connor Ogilvie is a doubt as things stand.

Whatever side Sheffield Wednesday put out against Portsmouth, though, Mousinho insists the relegation favourites should not be underestimated.

Not with Barry Bannan pulling the strings. And not with further experience provided by Liam Palmer, Jan Valery, Dominic Iorfa and goalkeeper Ethan Horvath.

John Mousinho praises Barry Bannan and Sheffield Wednesday before Portsmouth clash

Bannan, Palmer, Valery, Iorfa and Horvath all started as Bristol City cruised into a 3-0 lead after just half an hour last weekend at Hillsborough.

Mousinho is warning his Portsmouth players not to expect such accommodating opposition this time around, however.

“The starting XI that they put out for the majority of the league games is still very, very strong,” Mourinho argues, via The News. “It’s still a Championship starting XI, littered with some really, really strong Championship players.

“Barry Bannan, obviously, is still there. Liam Palmer, Jan Valery and lorfa. Horvath in goal. There are plenty of very, very well-recognised Championship names. I could keep going across the XI. And I think that means they’re a very real threat.

“They’re a side that’s had good success in the League Cup [while] being unlucky in the league. Definitely been unlucky in the league, I think. And they’ve shown some real glimpses in certain games, particularly the Wrexham game, coming from two goals down away from home against a very strong side.

“That’s not a side that’s reflecting what’s going on off the pitch at the minute there. They’re a very, very dangerous side and a very good side when things get going.”

That Wrexham draw is Sheffield Wednesday’s only league point so far.

Portsmouth will be clear favourites to take all three in Saturday’s 3pm kick-off too. Under Mousinho, their home record makes for very impressive reading.

Pompey have only lost six out of 25 Fratton Park matches since their Championship return, winning 12.

Henrik Pedersen confirms Manchester United loanee Harry Amass is available for Fratton Park

While Josh Murphy remains Mousinho’s most reliable source of goals and assists, Pedersen has a left-sider of his own capable of wreaking havoc.

Sheffield Wednesday signed Harry Amass on loan from Manchester United a few weeks ago. And despite marking his second-tier debut with a very unfortunate own goal against Bristol City, swashbuckling left-back Amass may be the visitors’ greatest outlet on the road in Portsmouth.

Pedersen, speaking to The Star, insists that the Old Trafford starlet is available to start after overcoming an injury concern in the week.

“Everything is fine for Harry,” the head coach says. “The scan showed nothing and he trained normally [on Thursday], so it is good.

“We are so pleased for Harry, but we still have to be a little bit patient. There is still a difference between playing U21 football and playing Championship football. We saw that after 60 or 70 minutes [against Bristol City], his tank was empty and that’s why we changed him.

“Now he is back again and next time he will go a little bit longer and will have more and more energy. We will only see a better Harry, I’m sure.”