Expect bumps in the road after Pompey's 'OK' start

[BBC] "OK". I would not want to encourage managers to give one-word answers in interviews but that from John Mousinho summed up Portsmouth's start to the season pretty well. Eight points from seven matches is certainly no more than OK. Especially given it has been a straightforward set of fixtures, nicely spread out. Both the level of opposition and the scheduling are more challenging in October and November. There are question marks over the team. On paper conceding 10 goals in seven games is a decent record but they have let in too many avoidable goals. The attack is not strong enough to overcome poor defending. Injuries are once again a major concern. Losing impressive loanee Benji Arthur until December is a big blow. Another setback for Conor Shaughnessy is a concern. Losing those two will make solidifying the team much harder. The returns of Keshi Anderson, Connor Ogilvie and Josh Murphy next month will be very welcome. A fit Murphy returning to the levels of two seasons ago would be a complete game-changer. Mousinho opted to switch his goalkeeper at the start of September. Daniel Bielica has made some decent saves but has struggled at times. He will need to improve or a return to the team for Nico Schmid will have to be considered. You do not want to be alternating between your keepers. Marlon Pack is as dependable as ever but his importance to the team only highlights the struggles Pompey have had recruiting a defensive midfielder. Iyad Mohamed is still an unknown quantity. Andre Dozzell opted to go to Major League Soccer rather than sign a new contract at Fratton Park in the summer. He would have been a useful presence to have in the squad. There are positives as well. Ryan Kavuma-McQueen already looks a force in the Championship. Incredible for a 17 year-old who'd never played league football before. All three loanees look excellent additions. Marko Milovanovic's playing time has been very limited but there have been some bright moments from the new striker. He certainly has the physicality required to play in the Championship. Portsmouth have not been outplayed by anyone yet. They look a Championship-quality team. However, they have not showed they can consistently break down a team that sits back against them, as opponents now often do at Fratton Park. The hope this season was to avoid a relegation battle. From the opening seven matches the comfort of mid-table looks unlikely. Portsmouth know how to scrap and fight their way to survival at this level. They will feel confident they can achieve that again. Although expect a few bumps in the road. This is Pompey after all. Latest Portsmouth news, analysis and fan views