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

Southampton backed for bragging rights with a 2-1 win over rivals Portsmouth
Recent encounters have been sparse, but also very tight, with the last two Championship meetings ending all square
Finn Azaz was impressive on his debut for the Saints, and will be a key player in this local derby
Explore Ladbrokes’ detailed preview for Southampton vs Portsmouth in the Championship. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 12:00 BST match.
Match Details
Fixture: Southampton vs Portsmouth
Date: Sunday, 14 September 2025
Kick-off: 12:00 BST
Venue: St. Mary's Stadium
Our predictions for Southampton vs Portsmouth
Match Prediction: Southampton 2-1 Portsmouth
Southampton's recent form has been a bit up and down, but they've shown they can score goals. They've drawn twice and lost once in their last three games, but managed a win at home against Wrexham before that. Portsmouth, on the other hand, have been solid overall, winning two of their last four, but their ability to find the net on a regular basis is less convincing. This match could be tight, with Southampton's attacking flair potentially making the difference.
Southampton will look to their home advantage to win the day. Their habit of scoring goals, even in draws, suggests they might edge this one. Expect a competitive game where both teams will have their moments, but Southampton's recent goal-scoring form could see them through.
Form Guide & Team Overview
Southampton
Southampton's recent results show a team that can score but struggles to keep clean sheets. They've drawn twice and lost once in their last three games, which might suggest a somewhat cautious approach. However, their home win against Wrexham shows they can be effective in front of their own fans. Their inconsistency could make them unpredictable but dangerous.
Their attacking players have been finding the net, which is a positive sign. If they can tighten up at the back, they could be a real threat to Portsmouth. The departure of Will Smallbone on loan to Millwall might affect their midfield creativity, but their recent performances suggest they can still pose a significant challenge.
Recent Championship Results:
Draw: 2-2 vs Watford (A)
Loss: 1-2 vs Stoke City (H)
Draw: 1-1 vs Ipswich Town (A)
Win: 2-1 vs Wrexham (H)
Portsmouth
Portsmouth have been solid, winning two of their last four games. Their away form is fairly good, with a draw and a win in their last two matches on the road. This suggests they might attempt to break down Southampton's defence from the start.
Their recent wins have been by narrow margins, showing a team that can grind out results. However, their loss to Norwich at home indicates they can be vulnerable. Recent performances show they can compete against anyone, and they will relish the chance to upset their local rivals.
Recent Championship Results:
Win: 1-0 vs Preston North End (H)
Draw: 1-1 vs West Bromwich Albion (A)
Loss: 1-2 vs Norwich City (H)
Win: 1-0 vs Oxford United (A)
Head-to-Head Record
Historically, Southampton have had the upper hand in the most recent encounters between these clubs, winning three games and drawing two. However, they have rarely played each in league matches over the years, so results have little real relevance now.
Recent Championship Results
Southampton 2-2 Portsmouth (07 Apr 2012)
Portsmouth 1-1 Southampton (18 Dec 2011)
Team News & Injury Report
Southampton
Wellington (Ankle) - Doubt
Samuel Edozie (Knock) - Doubt
Portsmouth
Callum Lang (Hamstring) - Out
Harvey Blair (Hamstring) - Doubt
Lineups & Tactical Setup
Prediction - Southampton (3-4-2-1)
Bazunu, Stephens, Wood, Harwood-Bellis, Roerslev, Fraser, Charles, Manning, Azaz, Robinson, Archer
Southampton's predicted lineup suggests a focus on attacking play with players like Archer and Fraser, who have been key in recent games. Their defence, led by Stephens and Harwood-Bellis, will need to be solid to counter Portsmouth's threats.
New signings Tom Fellows and Casper Jander hope to debut for the Saints after last-minute moves to the south coast at the end of the summer transfer window.
Prediction - Portsmouth (4-2-3-1)
Schmid, Swanson, Poole, Shaughnessy, Ogilvie, Swift, Dozzell, Bianchini, Segečić, Murphy, Bishop
Portsmouth's lineup indicates a reliance on their solid backline, with Poole and Shaughnessy key to their defensive efforts. Their attack, led by Bishop and Murphy, will need to be clinical to break down Southampton's defence.
Franco Umeh-Chibueze, Conor Chaplin, Josef Bursik, and Makenzie Kirk all joined Portsmouth late in the summer transfer window. The quartet could make their debuts for the South Coast club in this clash.
Key Battles & Players to Watch
Cameron Archer vs Conor Shaughnessy: A crucial battle between Southampton's striker and Portsmouth's defender.
Mads Roerslev vs Connor Ogilvie: An important duel on the wing, with Roerslev’s pace against Ogilvie's defensive skills.
Shea Charles (Southampton): A midfielder who has been pivotal in recent games, controlling the tempo.
Colby Bishop (Portsmouth): A striker who has been a consistent threat in front of goal.
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