Portsmouth vs Stoke City: Predictions, Betting odds, Lineups, Preview

• Fixture: Portsmouth vs Stoke City
• Date: Saturday, 25 October 2025
• Kick-off: 12:30 BST
• Venue: Fratton Park

Portsmouth are coming into this match with a bit of a mixed bag. They've had a tough time at home, losing to Coventry and drawing with Watford, but they did manage a solid win against Middlesbrough. Their style is all about resilience and counter-attacking, which could be key against Stoke. If they can keep their heads and exploit any gaps, they might just nick it.

Stoke City, on the other hand, have been a bit up and down. They've struggled away from home, losing to Millwall and drawing a few times. Their approach is more about control and possession, but they'll need to be more clinical if they want to take something from this game. It's going to be a tight one, but I reckon Portsmouth's home advantage might just tip the scales.

Portsmouth's recent form has been a rollercoaster. They've had two losses, two draws, and one win in their last five games. The home defeats to Coventry and the draw against Watford might be a concern, but the win against Middlesbrough shows they can dig in and get results. If they can harness that resilience, they could put up a good fight against Stoke.

• Loss: 1-2 vs Coventry City (H)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Leicester City (A)
• Win: 1-0 vs Middlesbrough (H)
• Draw: 2-2 vs Watford (H)
• Loss: 1-2 vs Ipswich Town (A)

Stoke City's form has been inconsistent lately. They've only managed one win in their last five games, with three draws and a loss. Their away form is particularly worrying, with a loss to Millwall and draws against Blackburn and Middlesbrough. They'll need to step up their game if they want to come away with anything from Portsmouth.

• Loss: 0-2 vs Millwall (A)
• Win: 1-0 vs Wrexham (H)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Blackburn Rovers (A)
• Draw: 0-0 vs Middlesbrough (A)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Norwich City (H)

The head-to-head record between these two teams shows a mixed bag. In their most recent encounter, Portsmouth came out on top with a 3-1 victory at home. However, Stoke City had a convincing 6-1 win in their last meeting at their ground. This suggests that both teams are capable of putting on a show, and it could be anyone's game.

• Portsmouth 3-1 Stoke City (22 Jan 2025)
• Stoke City 6-1 Portsmouth (02 Oct 2024)

• Nicolas Schmid (Finger) - Out

• Franco Umeh (Leg) - Out

• Josh Murphy (Ankle) - Doubt

• Thomas Waddingham (Hip) - Out

• Conor Shaughnessy (Hamstring) - Out

• Callum Lang (Hamstring) - Out

• Harvey Blair (Hamstring) - Out

• Jacob Farrell (Fibula) - Out

• Sam Gallagher (Muscle) - Out

• Bosun Lawal (Hamstring) - Out

• Joon-Ho Bae (Shoulder) - Out

Predicted lineup: Bursik (GK), Swanson (DF), Knight (DF), Poole (DF), Ogilvie (DF), Pack (MF), Dozzell (MF), Chaplin (MF), Swift (MF), Yang (MF), Bishop (AT)

Portsmouth's predicted lineup shows a strong defensive core with Ogilvie, Knight, Poole, and Swanson, which could help them withstand Stoke's attacks. The midfield trio of Pack, Swift, and Dozzell will be crucial in controlling the game and launching quick counter-attacks.

Predicted lineup: Johansson (GK), Tchamadeu (DF), Phillips (DF), Wilmot (DF), Bocat (DF), Seko (MF), N'Zonzi (MF), Cissé (MF), Rigo (MF), Thomas (MF), Boženík (AT)

Stoke's predicted lineup features a solid backline with Wilmot, Bocat, Tchamadeu, and Phillips, which should provide a good foundation. The midfield, led by N'Zonzi and Rigo, will need to dictate the tempo and create chances for Boženík up front.

• Bishop vs Wilmot: This will be a key battle between Portsmouth's striker and Stoke's defender, with Bishop looking to exploit any gaps in the defence.

• Swift vs Rigo: The midfield duel between Swift and Rigo could determine who controls the game, with both players known for their passing and vision.

• Dozzell (Portsmouth): Dozzell's creativity and ability to unlock defences make him a vital player for Portsmouth in this match.

• N'Zonzi (Stoke City): N'Zonzi's experience and control in midfield will be crucial for Stoke as they look to dominate possession and create scoring opportunities.

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.