An intriguing South Coast derby awaits in the Championship as Southampton prepare to welcome Portsmouth to St. Mary's Stadium at Sunday lunchtime. The Saints have struggled since being relegated from the Premier League, picking up a total of just five points from their opening four games as they sit in 13th place.
Meanwhile, Pompey are currently placed above their bitter rivals in eighth at the time of writing, with seven points collected from their first four matches. Nonetheless, it will no doubt be interesting to see how the pair match up in what will be the first derby in nearly six years.
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Southampton vs Portsmouth prediction: Pompey to steal point from Saints?
Key stats
- Southampton have won just once in four games in total in all competitions.
- Portsmouth are unbeaten in their last three matches away from home across all competitions.
- Southampton have only won one of the previous five H2Hs.
Correct score prediction: Southampton 2-2 Portsmouth
We are expecting a thrilling affair with plenty of goals if the last few meetings between the two teams are anything to go by. Southampton of course boast home advantage, but Portsmouth are a tough unit to break down away from home, so we can see the spoils being shared here.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Southampton strong favourites with bookmakers
- HOME: 8/11 (1.73) – 57.9%
- DRAW: 14/5 (3.80) – 26.3%
- AWAY: 18/5 (4.60) – 21.7%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
As shown by the implied probabilities, Southampton are the strong favourites with bookmakers to win on home soil. A draw can be backed at just over 26%, while a Portsmouth victory away from home is rated at just under 22%.
Also, feel free to check out our dedicated Football Betting Tips Today page.
Most recent H2Hs: Portsmouth edging it
As mentioned before, Southampton have only won once out of the last five meetings in total in all competitions. Portsmouth have won two H2Hs in the same timeframe, while there has also been two draws.
England EFL Cup 24/09/19
Portsmouth
Southampton
Southampton preview: Wellington only injury worry
Wellington is set to miss out once again for Southampton through injury. Otherwise, the hosts should be able to name a strong starting XI.
Predicted lineup: Bazunu (GK); Harwood-Bellis, Wood, Stephens; Roerslev, Charles, Jander, Manning; Robinson, Azaz & Archer
Last five results:
- Watford 2-2 Southampton
- Norwich 0-3 Southampton
- Southampton 1-2 Stoke
- Ipswich 1-1 Southampton
- Northampton 0-1 Southampton
Portsmouth preview: More injuries to deal with
Portsmouth have more injuries on their plate than their opponents with Callum Lang, Marlon Pack and Harvey Blair all on the treatment table. The visitors have reported no other major concerns.
Predicted lineup: Schmid (GK); Williams, Shaughnessy, Poole, Oglivie; Swift, Dozzell; Segecic, Chaplin, Murphy & Bishop
Last five results:
- Portsmouth 1-0 Preston
- West Brom 1-1 Portsmouth
- Portsmouth 1-2 Norwich
- Portsmouth 1-2 Reading
- Oxford United 0-1 Portsmouth
Player to watch: Cameron Archer
Cameron Archer is likely to lead the line again for Southampton after scoring in his previous two appearances in all competitions. Portsmouth will do well to keep him quiet at St. Mary's Stadium.