Match Preview Portsmouth vs Norwich City Championship Game Week 2

Explore Coral’s game week 2 detailed match preview for Portsmouth vs Norwich City in the Championship. Stats, odds, predictions, and line-ups for the 12:30 BST kick-off from Fratton Park.

Fixture: Portsmouth vs Norwich City

Date: Saturday, 16 August 2025

Kick-off: 12:30 BST

Venue: Fratton Park

Portsmouth come into this match with a solid win under their belt, having beaten Oxford United away from home. Their recent form suggests a team that's defensively sound and capable of grinding out results, which could be crucial against a Norwich side that's coming off a home loss to Millwall. Portsmouth's style of play, as seen in their last match, focuses on a strong backline and quick counter-attacks, which might trouble Norwich's defence.

Norwich City, on the other hand, will be looking to bounce back from their defeat. Their recent performance against Millwall showed vulnerabilities at the back, which Portsmouth could exploit. However, Norwich has the firepower to cause problems for any team, and if they can shore up their defence, they could still pose a significant threat. This match could be closely contested, with both teams having something to prove.

Match Prediction: Portsmouth 1-0 Norwich City

Portsmouth's recent victory against Oxford United away from home is a testament to their resilience and defensive solidity. This win could boost their confidence going into the match against Norwich City. With a strong backline and players capable of scoring on the break, Portsmouth might look to exploit any defensive frailties in the Norwich side. Their recent form suggests they are well-prepared to face a team like Norwich, who are coming off a loss.

Recent Championship Results:

• Win: 1-0 vs Oxford United (A)

Norwich City's recent loss to Millwall at home highlights some defensive issues that they need to address. This defeat could impact their morale, but it also presents an opportunity for them to regroup and come back stronger. Norwich has the attacking talent to trouble any team, but they will need to be more solid at the back if they want to get a result against a well-organised Portsmouth side. Their performance in this match will be crucial in determining their trajectory in the Championship.

Recent Championship Results:

• Loss: 1-2 vs Millwall (H)

Historically, Portsmouth have had the upper hand against Norwich City, winning three of the last five meetings. This slight edge could give Portsmouth a psychological boost going into the match, although recent form will likely play a more significant role in determining the outcome.

Recent Results

• Norwich City 3-5 Portsmouth (18 Apr 2025)

• Portsmouth 0-0 Norwich City (10 Dec 2024)

• Norwich City 0-1 Portsmouth (05 Jan 2019)

• Portsmouth 0-1 Norwich City (02 May 2011)

• Norwich City 0-2 Portsmouth (11 Dec 2010)

• No reported injuries.

• Liam Gibbs  (Hamstring Injury)

• Schmid, Williams, Poole, Bowat, Ogilvie, Swift, Dozzell, Lang, Segecic, Bianchini, Bishop

Portsmouth’s predicted lineup focuses on maintaining a solid defensive structure with Regan Poole and Ibrahim Bowat (Conor Shaughnessy could return from injury). The midfield duo of John Swift and Andre Dozzell will provide stability, while Callum Lang, Adrian Segecic, and Florian Bianchini support Colby Bishop in launching quick counter-attacks.

• Kovačević, Medić, Darling, Córdoba, Stacey, Wright, Topić, Schlupp, Forson, Crnac, Sargent

Norwich City’s predicted lineup balances attacking flair with a need for defensive improvement. With Liam Gibbs out, Mirko Topić and Jeffrey Schlupp will anchor the midfield, while Josh Sargent leads the attack. The back three of Jakov Medić, Harry Darling, and José Córdoba must be more robust to counter Portsmouth’s counter-attacking threat.

• Jordan Williams vs Jack Stacey: Williams will need to use his defensive skills to keep Stacey in check and prevent him from influencing the game.

• Colby Bishop vs Josh Sargent: Bishop's ability to score on the break will be tested against Sargent's defensive efforts.

• John Swift (Portsmouth): Swift's creativity in midfield will be crucial for Portsmouth's attacking plays.

• Mirko Topić (Norwich City): Topić's ability to unlock defences could be key for Norwich to turn their fortunes around.

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