John Mousinho has urged Portsmouth to expect the unexpected when they travel to Turf Moor on Saturday, describing a Burnley side in the middle of a managerial transition as "incredibly dangerous" and warning his players they may face a style they have not seen before.

A Burnley unknown quantity

Burnley parted ways with Nicky Hayen following a 4-1 defeat at Lincoln earlier this month, with Swiss coach Fabio Celestini confirmed as his replacement on Wednesday. The appointment came after Michael Jackson had been expected to take interim charge for Saturday's fixture, meaning Portsmouth arrive in Lancashire with genuine uncertainty about the system and approach they will face.

"We have to do our best to try and figure out how we think they are going to play," Mousinho told BBC Radio Solent. "The players don't change, the style might a bit. We have to make sure we adapt on the day."

It is a situation that carries risk as much as opportunity. New managers typically sharpen a dressing room's focus, and Mousinho acknowledged that dynamic explicitly: "You usually get a reaction from the players and a different reaction from everyone at Turf Moor, so it's going to be an interesting day for us."

For all Burnley's difficulties, sitting third-bottom and without a home win since 18 October 2025 according to the BBC report, Mousinho said he had not been fooled by their table position. "I expected them to be right up there, as I think everyone did," he said. "They are still an incredibly dangerous side."

Nine points that matter

Portsmouth head into the trip unbeaten in four Championship games, picking up 10 points from that run. But Mousinho was careful not to let that momentum breed complacency, stressing the significance of the fixture cluster ahead.

After Saturday's visit to Burnley, Portsmouth host Swansea on Tuesday before welcoming Stoke on 7 November, after which the two-week international break arrives. That makes the next fortnight, in Mousinho's framing, a block of games the club need to close out well.

"These weeks in the Championship are very important, there are nine points to play for," he said. "It's really important we try to finish off this block of games with some positive results, and we have got to be fully focused at the weekend."

Murphy and Shaughnessy in contention

The trip north could bring a welcome boost to Portsmouth's attacking options. Winger Josh Murphy, absent for 10 games, and central defender Conor Shaughnessy, sidelined for five, have both returned to full training and are being assessed ahead of Saturday.

"I'm fairly confident Josh Murphy will be available," Mousinho said. "We thought there might be a chance last week. He hadn't recovered enough from training for us to put him on the bench against Millwall. The signs are ok."

On Shaughnessy, the head coach was more cautious: "It's exactly the same with Conor Shaughnessy, we'll see as he settles down."

The potential return of both players would give Portsmouth greater depth at a ground where they will need options. Burnley's home record this season has been poor, but with Celestini's arrival and the usual lift that follows a managerial change, Turf Moor on Saturday is unlikely to be a straightforward afternoon for anyone.

Whether that uncertainty favours the visitors or the hosts may depend on how quickly Mousinho's side can read what they find in front of them.

Frequently asked

When do Portsmouth play Burnley?
Portsmouth travel to Turf Moor to face Burnley on Saturday, 1 November 2026, in a Championship fixture.
Is Josh Murphy fit for Portsmouth's trip to Burnley?
John Mousinho said he is fairly confident Murphy will be available after missing 10 games, though a final decision depends on how he responds to returning to full training.
Who is Burnley's new manager ahead of the Portsmouth game?
Swiss coach Fabio Celestini was appointed Burnley head coach on Wednesday, replacing Nicky Hayen who was sacked following a 4-1 defeat at Lincoln.