Portsmouth vs Middlesbrough: Predictions, Betting odds, Lineups, Preview

Explore Ladbrokes' detailed preview for Portsmouth vs Middlesbrough in the Championship. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 15:00 BST match.

• Fixture: Portsmouth vs Middlesbrough

• Date: Saturday, 04 October 2025

• Kick-off: 15:00 BST

• Venue: Fratton Park

Match Prediction: Portsmouth 2-1 Middlesbrough

Portsmouth might fancy their chances at home, especially after that solid win against Preston North End. They've been a bit shaky lately, drawing and losing a few, but they've got the firepower to trouble Middlesbrough. Look for them to press high and try to exploit any gaps in the Boro defence.

Middlesbrough, on the other hand, have been steady but not spectacular. They've drawn a lot recently, but those wins against West Brom and Sheffield United show they can grind out results. They'll likely sit back and look to hit Portsmouth on the counter. It could be a tight affair, but Portsmouth might just nick it.

Portsmouth's recent form has been a bit up and down. That win against Preston at home was a boost, but the losses to Ipswich and Sheffield Wednesday will be a concern. They'll need to be more solid at the back if they want to get a result here. The draw against Southampton away shows they can hold their own against decent teams, so there's hope.

• Draw: 2-2 vs Watford (H)

• Loss: 1-2 vs Ipswich Town (A)

• Loss: 0-2 vs Sheffield Wednesday (H)

• Draw: 0-0 vs Southampton (A)

• Win: 1-0 vs Preston North End (H)

Middlesbrough have been drawing a lot lately, which suggests they're tough to beat but maybe lacking that killer instinct. The wins against West Brom and Sheffield United at home are positive signs, though. They'll need to be more clinical if they want to take all three points here. Their away form has been inconclusive, so they'll need to step up.

• Draw: 0-0 vs Stoke City (H)

• Draw: 1-1 vs Southampton (A)

• Win: 2-1 vs West Bromwich Albion (H)

• Draw: 2-2 vs Preston North End (A)

• Win: 1-0 vs Sheffield United (H)

The recent head-to-head record between these two sides has been pretty even. Portsmouth won the last meeting 2-1, but before that, they drew 2-2 at Middlesbrough. Going back a bit further, Middlesbrough won 3-1 in 2012, but the two games before that were draws. It's usually a close contest between these two.

• Portsmouth 2-1 Middlesbrough (18 Jan 2025)

• Middlesbrough 2-2 Portsmouth (24 Aug 2024)

• Portsmouth 1-3 Middlesbrough (03 Mar 2012)

• Middlesbrough 2-2 Portsmouth (06 Aug 2011)

• Portsmouth 0-0 Middlesbrough (12 Mar 2011)

• Harvey Blair (Hamstring) - Doubt

• Franco Umeh (Leg) - Doubt

• Josh Murphy (Ankle) - Doubt

• Thomas Waddingham (Hip) - Doubt

• Nicolas Schmid (Hand) - Doubt

• Conor Shaughnessy (Hamstring) - Doubt

• Callum Lang (Hamstring) - Doubt

• Darragh Lenihan (Ankle) - Doubt

• Riley McGree (Unknown) - Doubt

• Matt Targett (Hamstring) - Doubt

• Seny Dieng (Achilles) - Doubt

• Predicted lineup: Bursik, Williams, Knight, Poole, Ogilvie, Pack, Dozzell, Chaplin, Swift, Yang Min-Hyeok, Bishop

With Swift and Chaplin in the lineup, Portsmouth will look to control the midfield and create chances. Their recent form suggests they need to be more clinical in front of goal.

• Predicted lineup: Brynn, Ayling, Edmundson, Jones, Targett (if fit), Hackney, Browne, Morris, Nypan, Strelec, Conway

Middlesbrough's predicted lineup shows a balanced team, with Nypan and Morris key in midfield. They'll need to be solid at the back and look to hit on the break.

• Colby Bishop vs Alfie Jones: This will be a crucial battle between Portsmouth's forward Bishop and Middlesbrough's composed defender Jones.

• Marlon Pack vs Hayden Hackney: The midfield duel between Portsmouth's Pack and Middlesbrough's Hackney could dictate the flow of the game.

• John Swift (Portsmouth): Swift's creativity in midfield will be vital for Portsmouth's attacking play.

• Sverre Nypan (Middlesbrough): Nypan's ability to control the midfield and distribute the ball will be key for Middlesbrough.

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