As one of several unbeaten teams this season, West Brom, travel to Portsmouth, the anticipation is building nicely for the promotion hopefuls. But which markets should you cover for this clash? Join us for this full preview below.
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Portsmouth vs West Brom prediction: West Brom to keep the pressure on Sunderland with three points
Key stats
- Portsmouth's Championship matches this season are averaging 3.50 goals
- West Brom have conceded only two league goals so far, but are overachieving their xGA
- Portsmouth are winless in their first 4 league games (3 draws, 1 loss)
- West Brom have won 3 and drawn 1 of their opening 4 Championship fixtures
Correct score prediction: Portsmouth 0-2 West Brom
Portsmouth have been ropey at home in the early part of the 24/25 season. They lost 3-1 to Sunderland in their last home fixture, and they failed to beat Luton in the other. As for West Brom, they’ve taken two wins from two on the road, hence our 2-0 prediction in their favour.
Pre-game odds and win probability: West Brom understandable favourites
- HOME: 14/5 (3.80) – 26.30%
- DRAW: 5/2 (3.50) – 28.60%
- AWAY: 19/20 (1.95) – 51.30%
As you’d expect, given the difference in form and level between these teams, West Brom has a 51.30% chance of snapping up a win here. We agree with these odds and believe this market is worth backing.
For even more predictions on the top games this weekend, be sure to look at our football betting tips page!
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Most recent H2Hs: Surprisingly balanced
If you look back through the H2H records for these teams, it’s fairly balanced with two wins for each and two draws. However, their most recent fixture was all the way back in 2009 in the Premier League.
Portsmouth preview: Pompey desperate to break duck
When you’re sitting in 18th place after four games, something needs to happen! With three draws and a recent 3-1 loss to Sunderland, Portsmouth won’t be feeling too good about themselves right now. So the home fans will really need to lift them if they are to get something from this game.
Predicted Lineup: Norris (GK), Swanson, Williams, Towler, Ogilvie, Pack, Dozzell, Ritchie, Lang, Silvera, Saydee
England Championship 02/10/24
L
Stoke
6
Portsmouth
1
England Championship 28/09/24
D
Sheff Utd
0
Portsmouth
0
England Championship 21/09/24
L
Burnley
2
Portsmouth
1
England Championship 15/09/24
L
West Brom
3
Portsmouth
0
England Championship 31/08/24
L
Sunderland
3
Portsmouth
1
West Brom preview: Baggies aim to extend unbeaten run
With three wins from four games, it’s a totally different outlook for West Brom leading into this fixture. They have the joint top scorer in their ranks right now, too, which means they are a real threat up front. And against a struggling Pompey, you’d expect them to claim victory here.
Predicted Lineup: Palmer (GK), Furlong, Ajayi, Bartley, Heggem, Molumby, Mowatt, Fellows, Swift, Grant, Maja
England Championship 01/10/24
L
Middlesbrough
1
West Brom
0
England Championship 28/09/24
L
Sheff Wed
3
West Brom
2
England Championship 21/09/24
W
Plymouth
0
West Brom
1
England Championship 15/09/24
W
Portsmouth
0
West Brom
3
England Championship 31/08/24
W
Swansea
0
West Brom
1
Player to watch – Josh Maja (West Brom)
As the league’s joint top scorer, all eyes will be on Josh Maja on Sunday. The number 9 forward has found the back of the net four times already, meaning his goal average is 1.11 per 90 minutes.
More significantly, Maja banged in a hat-trick against QPR on the road in the opening game of the season. And we can see him scoring one or two again here.
