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

Explore Ladbrokes' detailed preview for Portsmouth vs Watford in the Championship. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 19:45 BST match.

• Fixture: Portsmouth vs Watford

• Date: Wednesday, 01 October 2025

• Kick-off: 19:45 BST

• Venue: Fratton Park

Match Prediction: Portsmouth 2-1 Watford

Portsmouth's recent form has been a bit of a rollercoaster, but they've shown they can dig in and get results at home. They'll need to be solid at the back against Watford's attacking threats, but with players like Yang and Bishop up top, they can definitely nick a goal or two. 

Watford, on the other hand, have been inconsistent but can be dangerous on their day. They'll look to exploit any defensive lapses from Portsmouth, but their away form has been patchy, so they'll need to be at their best.

Portsmouth might edge this one if they can keep it tight and capitalise on their home advantage. Watford will fancy their chances, but they'll need to be more clinical than they've been recently.

Portsmouth have had a tough run lately, with two losses and two draws in their last five games. Their only win came against Preston at home, which shows they can be solid on their own turf. 

They'll need to be more clinical in front of goal and tighten up at the back if they want to get a result against Watford. The draw against Southampton away suggests they can hold their own against decent opposition, so they'll be looking to build on that.

• 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)

• Draw: 1-1 vs West Bromwich Albion (A)

Watford have been up and down, with a win, two losses, and two draws in their recent outings. Their home form has been better than their away performances, which could be a concern as they head to Portsmouth. 

They've shown they can score goals, as seen in their win against Hull and the draw with Southampton, but they'll need to be more consistent if they want to take all three points here. Their defence has been leaky at times, so they'll need to be on their toes against Portsmouth's forwards.

• Win: 2-1 vs Hull City (H)

• Loss: 0-1 vs Millwall (A)

• Loss: 0-1 vs Blackburn Rovers (H)

• Draw: 2-2 vs Southampton (H)

• Draw: 1-1 vs Swansea City (A)

Portsmouth have had the upper hand in recent meetings, winning two of the last three encounters. Their most recent victory was a 1-0 win at home, while Watford's previous win was a 2-1 victory on their own turf. 

Historically, Watford have had some big wins against Portsmouth, but the recent trend suggests it could be a close contest.

• Portsmouth 1-0 Watford (21 Apr 2025)

• Watford 2-1 Portsmouth (26 Dec 2024)

• Portsmouth 2-0 Watford (02 Jan 2012)

• Watford 2-0 Portsmouth (19 Nov 2011)

• Watford 3-0 Portsmouth (01 Jan 2011)

• Nicolas Schmid (Hand) - Out

• Conor Shaughnessy (Hamstring) - Out

• Thomas Waddingham (Hip) - Out

• Callum Lang (Hamstring) - Doubt

• Harvey Blair (Hamstring) - Doubt

• Josh Murphy (Ankle) - Doubt

• Egil Selvik (Head) - Out

• Giorgi Chakvetadze (Foot) - Doubt

• Pierre Dwomoh (Thigh) - Doubt

• Predicted lineup: Bursik, Swanson, Knight, Poole, Ogilvie, Swift, Dozzell, Segecic, Chaplin, Yang, Bishop

With Ogilvie and Poole in defence, Portsmouth will look to be solid at the back while relying on the creativity of Chaplin and Segecic to unlock Watford's defence.

• Predicted lineup:  Baxter, Keben, Pollock, Alleyne, Pétris, Kyprianou, Kayembe, Louza, Wiley, Irankunda, Semedo

Watford will hope that the energy of Kayembe and Louza in midfield can help them to control the game, while Keben Pollock and Alleyne provide a strong defensive foundation.

• Bishop vs Keben: This will be a crucial battle between Portsmouth's lively forward and Watford's solid defender.

• Dozzell vs Kayembe: The midfield duel between the pair could dictate the flow of the game.

• Swanson (Portsmouth): Portsmouth will look to Swanson's energy and versatility to make an impact on both ends of the pitch.

• Irankunda (Watford): Watford will look to the young Australian forward to inspire victory.

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