Date: 01/10/2025
Kick-off time: 19:45
Venue: Fratton Park

Midweek Championship football under the lights at Fratton Park — and it feels like a big one for both sides. Portsmouth are desperate to stop the slide after a poor run of results, while Watford travel south with a little more confidence after edging Hull last time out.

Both teams are stuck in mid-table, but this is the sort of game that can swing the mood. So, who takes control — Pompey at home or the Hornets on the road? Let’s dive in.

Portsmouth vs Watford Team News

Portsmouth
John Mousinho doesn’t have too many injury headaches. Harvey Blair is still sidelined with a hamstring injury, but otherwise, he’s got a near full-strength squad. Expect the usual 4-2-3-1 with Colby Bishop leading the line — he’s the one Pompey fans will be hoping can spark some life into a blunt attack.

Watford
The Hornets could go with a 3-1-4-2 setup. Nathan Baxter is set to start in goal, with the likes of Jeremy Ngakia and Mattie Pollock in defence. Imran Louza pulls the strings in midfield, and Vivaldo Semedo will look to carry the threat up top after scoring in the win over Hull.

Likely Lineups

Portsmouth: Bursik; Swanson, Poole, Knight, Ogilvie; Kosznovszky, Dozzell; Segecic, Le Roux, Yang; Bishop

Watford: Baxter; Alleyne, Ngakia, Pollock; Louza; Petris, Mendy, Kayembe, Keben; Semedo, Irankunda

Portsmouth vs Watford Betting Tips

Here’s what I think… this one looks like a tight, low-scoring battle. Portsmouth just can’t find goals — only five in seven league games — and Fratton Park has been more tense than electric lately. Watford have more balance, but they’ve conceded in their last five league matches, so they’re hardly watertight either.

A couple of betting angles worth a look:

• Both teams to score – No (Portsmouth’s attack has been flat).
• Under 2.5 goals (four of the last five Portsmouth games have gone that way).
• Watford or Draw (Double Chance) (Hornets look slightly sharper at the moment).

Portsmouth vs Watford Match Prediction

Pompey will fight, no doubt about that, but unless Bishop gets service, they struggle to create. Watford have shown they can grind out results on the road, and their win over Hull might just give them the edge here.

Match Prediction: Draw. Bet with bet365.

Portsmouth vs Watford Correct Score Tips & Prediction

I’m leaning towards a 1-1 scoreline. Both sides are too inconsistent to call it cleanly, but the stats point to another low-scoring affair. If someone nicks it, it’s probably Watford by a single goal.

Correct Score Prediction: Portsmouth 1-1 Watford. Bet with bet365.

Portsmouth vs Watford Over & Under Goals Betting Tips

The numbers suggest goals will be at a premium. Portsmouth can’t finish their chances, and Watford rarely blow teams away.

Over/Under Prediction: Under 2.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.

Portsmouth vs Watford Bet Builder Tip

Here’s a combo that fits how I see the game going:

• Under 2.5 goals
• Both teams to score – No
• Watford Double Chance

Bet Builder Tip: Under 2.5 Goals, BTTS No, Watford or Draw

Bet Builder Tip: Under 2.5 Goals, BTTS No, Watford or Draw. Bet with bet365.

Key Stats

• Portsmouth have scored just five goals in seven league matches.
• Watford have conceded in each of their last five Championship games.
• The last four head-to-heads between these sides ended with a one-goal margin.
• Portsmouth are winless in four straight matches.

Visit our football previews & predictions page for more betting tips on upcoming matches.

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