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

Portsmouth's recent form has been mixed, with two losses, two draws, and one win in their last five matches. Their inability to score in their previous two games, against Ipswich Town and Sheffield Wednesday, is a concern. However, their clean sheet against Southampton and their win against Preston North End demonstrate that they can be defensively sound. 

This defensive resilience could be crucial against Watford, but they will need to find a way to be more effective in attack if they are to secure a positive result.

• 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 had an inconsistent run of form, with one win, two losses, and two draws in their last five matches. Their victory over Hull City demonstrates their capability to score goals, but their recent losses to Millwall and Blackburn Rovers highlight defensive frailties. 

Watford will need to tighten up at the back if they are to come away with a win against Portsmouth, but their attacking threat could cause problems for the home side's defence.

• 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)

The head-to-head record between Portsmouth and Watford reveals a competitive history, with Portsmouth emerging victorious in the most recent encounter, a 1-0 win on 21 April 2025. Watford have had success in the past, securing victories in three of their last five meetings, including a 3-0 win on January 1, 2011. 

This suggests that while Portsmouth have had the upper hand recently, Watford are capable of turning the tables on their opponents.

• 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

Portsmouth's predicted lineup suggests a focus on maintaining a solid defensive structure, with Knight and Poole likely to anchor the backline. The inclusion of Yang and Bishop indicates an intent to be more threatening in attack, building on their recent performances.

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

Watford's predicted lineup points to a strategy of balancing defence and attack, with Pollock and Keben expected to provide stability at the back. The presence of Semedo and Irankunda in the forward line suggests that Watford will look to exploit any defensive weaknesses in Portsmouth's lineup.

• Yang vs Keben: This matchup will see Portsmouth's winger Yang looking to outmanoeuvre Watford's defender Keben to create scoring opportunities.

• Dozzell vs Kayembe: Portsmouth's midfielder Dozzell will need to outplay Watford's Kayembe in the midfield to control the tempo of the game.

• Chaplin (Portsmouth): Chaplin's creativity will be crucial for Portsmouth as they look to break down Watford's defence.

• Semedo (Watford): Semedo's ability to score goals will be vital for Watford, especially given their recent struggles to find the net consistently.

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