Match Prediction
Match Prediction
England
Preview
Welcome to our Portsmouth vs Southampton prediction for the South Coast Derby on January 25, 2.26. This fierce Championship rivalry returns to Fratton Park at 12:00 GMT, promising drama, passion, and—if recent history is anything to go by—a fair share of talking points. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking for the best betting odds and data-driven tips, we’ve got you covered with a detailed preview that’s as easy to read as it is to translate.
When Portsmouth and Southampton meet, it’s never just another fixture. Their rivalry is rooted in centuries-old civic competition—Southampton, the commercial port, versus Portsmouth, the military stronghold. This animosity spills over onto the pitch, making every encounter a battle for local bragging rights that can last for years. In 71 competitive meetings, Southampton has the edge with 35 wins, while Portsmouth has 21, and 15 have ended in a draw. Their last league meeting, just a few months ago, finished 0-0 at St Mary’s—a result that left both sets of fans hungry for more.
Both teams limp into this derby with injury lists longer than a January transfer rumour mill. Portsmouth’s squad is stretched thin, missing key players like Márk Kosznovszky (cruciate ligament), Hayden Matthews (ankle), and Harvey Blair (hip), among others. Southampton aren’t much better off, with Cam Bragg, Mads Roerslev, and Shea Charles all sidelined, and doubts lingering over Oriol Romeu and Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
Portsmouth, currently 22nd in the Championship, have struggled for consistency. Their recent 5-0 defeat to Bristol City was a harsh reality check after a brief unbeaten run. Manager John Mousinho, never one to shy away from controversy, has already stoked the derby flames by accusing Southampton’s Tom Fellows of rough play in their last meeting. Mousinho’s approach is pragmatic: attack when possible, but with so many injuries, expect a compact, counter-attacking setup.
Southampton, sitting 16th, are also in a rut—winless in their last seven league games. Head coach Tonda Eckert is feeling the heat, but midfielder Leo Scienza has publicly backed him, praising his tactical ideas. Southampton will likely look to control possession (expected 57%), using their superior squad value (€170.90m to Portsmouth’s €35.67m) to dictate play. However, with confidence low, they may be vulnerable to Portsmouth’s set pieces and quick transitions.
Now, let’s get to the numbers and our Portsmouth vs Southampton prediction. The current betting odds paint Southampton as favourites (2.2 for away win), with a home win at 3.55 and a draw at 3.55. But as any seasoned tipster knows, derbies have a habit of ignoring the script.
Our AI expects a tight first half, with both teams feeling each other out and keeping things cagey. The second half should open up, with at least two goals likely—making over 1.5 goals the best value bet. Both sides are predicted to get on the scoresheet, but neither has the firepower or form to pull away. The X2 market (draw or Southampton win) offers some safety, given Southampton’s technical edge and deeper squad, but don’t expect fireworks.
In summary, our Portsmouth vs Southampton prediction is for a hard-fought draw, with both teams likely to score and tempers flaring as always. The South Coast Derby never disappoints—unless, of course, you’re hoping for a quiet afternoon. Good luck, and may your bets be as well-placed as a Portsmouth free kick!
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Southampton didn't play better in the last H2H match!
O1.5 -357
At least 2 goals will be scored in the match with odds of -357X2 -294
Southampton to win or drawOver 1.5 -357
At least 2 goals will be scored in the matchYes -139
Both teams are expected to scoreX2&U4.5 -169
Away win/draw and under 4.5 goals
0:0
1:1
|
|
0
-
3
-
1
|
|
 Southampton |
14-Sep-25
0:0
| Portsmouth  |
| Portsmouth |
24-Sep-19
0:4
| Southampton |
| Southampton |
07-Apr-12
2:2
| Portsmouth |
| Portsmouth |
18-Dec-11
1:1
| Southampton |
Recent Matches of Portsmouth| 31 Jan |
Portsmouth.
|
-
| West Brom.
| |
| 25 Jan | D |
Portsmouth.
|
1:1
| Southampton.
|
| 21 Jan | D |
Watford.
|
1:1
| Portsmouth.
|
| 17 Jan | W |
Sheffield We.
|
0:1
| Portsmouth.
|
| 11 Jan | L |
Portsmouth.
|
1:4
| Arsenal.
|
| 01 Jan | L |
Bristol City.
|
5:0
| Portsmouth.
|
| 29 Dec | W |
Portsmouth.
|
2:1
| Charlton.
|
| 26 Dec | D |
Portsmouth.
|
1:1
| QPR.
|
| 20 Dec | D |
Derby.
|
1:1
| Portsmouth.
|
| 13 Dec | W |
Portsmouth.
|
2:1
| Blackburn.
|
Recent Matches of Southampton
| 31 Jan |  Stoke. |
- |
Southampton. | |
| 25 Jan | D | Portsmouth. |
1:1 |
Southampton. |
| 21 Jan | W | Southampton. |
1:0 |
Sheffield Ut. |
| 17 Jan | L | Southampton. |
1:2 |
Hull. |
| 10 Jan | W |  Doncaster. |
2:3 |
Southampton. |
| 04 Jan | L |  Middlesbroug. |
4:0 |
Southampton. |
| 01 Jan | D | Southampton. |
0:0 |
Millwall. |
| 29 Dec | D |  Birmingham. |
1:1 |
Southampton. |
| 26 Dec | L |  Oxford Utd. |
2:1 |
Southampton. |
| 20 Dec | D | Southampton. |
1:1 |
Coventry. |
England - Championship| Team | Matches | Goals | Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Coventry | 29 | 62-33 | 58 |
| 2 |
Middlesbrough | 29 | 46-29 | 55 |
| 3 |
Ipswich | 28 | 48-27 | 50 |
| 4 |
Hull City | 28 | 47-40 | 50 |
| 5 |
Millwall | 29 | 36-35 | 49 |
| 6 |
Wrexham | 29 | 43-37 | 44 |
| 7 |
Bristol City | 29 | 40-31 | 43 |
| 8 |
Watford | 28 | 39-33 | 43 |
| 9 |
Preston | 29 | 36-33 | 43 |
| 10 |
Stoke City | 29 | 34-26 | 42 |
| 11 |
Derby | 29 | 39-37 | 42 |
| 12 |
QPR | 29 | 40-42 | 40 |
| 13 |
Birmingham | 29 | 39-38 | 39 |
| 14 |
Leicester | 29 | 40-43 | 38 |
| 15 |
Southampton | 29 | 41-41 | 37 |
| 16 |
Swansea | 29 | 32-37 | 36 |
| 17 |
Sheffield Utd | 28 | 39-41 | 35 |
| 18 |
Norwich | 29 | 37-41 | 33 |
| 19 |
Charlton | 28 | 27-38 | 32 |
| 20 |
West Brom | 29 | 32-44 | 32 |
| 21 |
Portsmouth | 27 | 24-37 | 30 |
| 22 |
Blackburn | 28 | 26-37 | 29 |
| 23 |
Oxford United | 28 | 27-36 | 27 |
| 24 |
Sheffield | 28 | 18-56 | -7 |
