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

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

• Fixture: Portsmouth vs QPR
• Date: Friday, 26 December 2025
• Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
• Venue: Fratton Park

Portsmouth are coming into this match with a mixed bag of results, showing resilience with draws against Derby and Charlton but also suffering losses to Swansea and Bristol City. Their recent win against Blackburn at home could give them a boost of confidence, especially with their predicted 4-2-3-1 formation that has shown some effectiveness. Colby Bishop up top will be crucial, and with the likes of Josh Murphy and Conor Chaplin in midfield, they have the firepower to challenge QPR's defence.

QPR, on the other hand, have been more consistent, with three wins in their last five games, including a convincing 4-1 victory over Leicester at home. Their 4-4-2 formation has been working well, and with Richard Kone and Rumarn Burrell leading the line, they pose a significant threat. However, their away form has been less impressive, which might give Portsmouth a chance to exploit. This match could be closely contested, but QPR's recent form might just give them the edge.

Portsmouth's recent form has been a bit of a rollercoaster, with two draws, a win, and two losses in their last five games. The draw against Derby away from home and the win against Blackburn at home show they can hold their own against tough opposition. However, the losses to Swansea and Bristol City indicate some inconsistency that they'll need to address. Heading into this match, they'll be looking to build on their positive results and find some consistency.

Recent Championship Results:

• Draw: 1-1 vs Derby (A)
• Win: 2-1 vs Blackburn (H)
• Loss: 0-1 vs Swansea (A)
• Draw: 0-0 vs Charlton (A)
• Loss: 0-1 vs Bristol City (H)

QPR have been in decent form, securing three wins in their last five games, including a strong 4-1 victory over Leicester at home. Their only losses came away from home against Middlesbrough and Norwich, suggesting that their away form might be a concern. However, with two home wins against Birmingham and West Brom, they'll be confident heading into this match. Their recent results indicate a team that's finding its rhythm and could pose a real challenge for Portsmouth.

Recent Championship Results:

• Win: 4-1 vs Leicester (H)

• Loss: 1-3 vs Middlesbrough (A)

• Win: 2-1 vs Birmingham (H)

• Win: 3-1 vs West Brom (H)

• Loss: 1-3 vs Norwich (A)

The head-to-head record between Portsmouth and QPR shows a competitive rivalry, with Portsmouth winning the most recent encounter 2-1 on 22 February 2025. Prior to that, Portsmouth also secured a 2-1 victory away at QPR on 19 October 2024. However, QPR have had their moments, winning a friendly 2-1 on 7 July 2021 and a 2-0 FA Cup win on 5 February 2019. This suggests that both teams are capable of coming out on top in this fixture.

Recent Results

• Portsmouth 2-1 QPR (22 Feb 2025)

• QPR 1-2 Portsmouth (19 Oct 2024)

• QPR 2-1 Portsmouth (07 Jul 2021) - Friendlies Clubs

• QPR 0-2 Portsmouth (28 Aug 2019) - League Cup

• QPR 2-0 Portsmouth (05 Feb 2019) - FA Cup

• Josh Knight (Back) – Out

• Connor Ogilvie (Knee) – Out

• Jacob Farrell (Groin) – Out

• Thomas Waddingham (Hip) – Out

• Conor Shaughnessy (Hamstring) – Out

• Zachary Swanson (Back) - Out

• Rayon Kolli (Muscle) – Out

• Ziyad Larkeche (Knee) - Out

• Ilias Chair (Muscle) - Out

• Harvey Vale (Muscle) – Doubt

• Predicted lineup: Schmid (GK), Devlin (DF), Matthews (DF), Poole (DF), Williams (DF), Dozzell (MF), Kosznovszky (MF), Lang (MF), Chaplin (MF), Murphy (MF), Bishop (AT)

Portsmouth are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Nicolas Schmid in goal and a back four of Devlin, Matthews, Poole, and Williams. This setup should provide a solid defensive base while allowing the likes of Dozzell and Kosznovszky to control the midfield and feed the attacking quartet of Lang, Chaplin, Murphy, and Bishop.

• Predicted lineup: Hamer (GK), Mbengue (DF), Dunne (DF), Clarke-Salter (DF), Norrington-Davies (DF), Dembélé (MF), Varane (MF), Madsen (MF), Saito (MF), Burrell (AT), Kone (AT)

QPR are likely to stick with their 4-4-2 formation, with Ben Hamer between the posts and a backline of Mbengue, Dunne, TBC, and Norrington-Davies. This formation has been effective for them, allowing Dembélé and Varane to anchor the midfield while Madsen and Saito provide width, supporting the attacking duo of Burrell and Kone.

• Bishop vs Dunne: Colby Bishop's physical presence and goal-scoring ability will be tested against Jimmy Dunne's defensive solidity.

• Murphy vs Varane: Josh Murphy's creativity in midfield will be crucial against Jonathan Varane's ball-winning skills.

• Kosznovszky (Portsmouth): Márk Kosznovszky's ability to control the midfield and distribute the ball effectively will be key for Portsmouth.

• Kone (QPR): Richard Kone's pace and finishing could prove decisive for QPR's attacking threat.

Portsmouth vs QPR at 15:00 GMT on Friday, 26 December 2025, will be broadcast live for viewers in the UK on Sky Sports+.

Ladbrokes is predicting that the score will be Portsmouth 1-2 QPR.

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