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Southampton FC
v Portsmouth FC
St. Mary's Stadium
Championship Matchday 5
14-09-2025 11:00
Southampton Form
Portsmouth Form
Date: 14/09/25
Kick-off time: 12:00 BST
Venue: St. Mary’s Stadium
The South Coast derby is back, and St. Mary’s is the stage for what should be a fiery Sunday lunchtime. Southampton host Portsmouth in the Championship, and even though these two don’t meet all that often, the rivalry hasn’t lost its edge.
Southampton’s form has been patchy, but they’ve still found the net in every one of their last four. Portsmouth, on the other hand, are steady but not exactly free-scoring. So, the big question is: will Saints’ attacking spark edge it, or can Pompey grind out another result? Let’s dig in.
The Saints go into this one with a few concerns. Wellington is battling an ankle issue, and Samuel Edozie has a knock, so both are touch-and-go. The good news? Finn Azaz made a flying start on his debut and looks like the kind of player who thrives in a derby. Expect him to keep his place just behind the striker.
Southampton also brought in Tom Fellows and Casper Jander late in the transfer window, and there’s every chance one of them gets minutes here. At the back, Jack Stephens and Taylor Harwood-Bellis will be key in keeping things tight.
Likely lineup (3-4-2-1): Bazunu; Stephens, Wood, Harwood-Bellis; Roerslev, Fraser, Charles, Manning; Azaz, Robinson; Archer.
Pompey aren’t at full strength either. Callum Lang is definitely out with a hamstring injury, while Harvey Blair is doubtful. Still, they’ll be boosted by some interesting new signings – Franco Umeh-Chibueze, Conor Chaplin, Josef Bursik, and Makenzie Kirk all joined before the window shut. Throwing a debutant into a derby? Now that would be a story.
Colby Bishop will lead the line as always, with Christian Saydee and Paddy Lane looking to support. Their back four has been solid so far, with Conor Shaughnessy a standout.
Likely lineup (4-2-3-1): Schmid; Swanson, Poole, Shaughnessy, Ogilvie; Swift, Dozzell; Bianchini, Segečić, Murphy; Bishop.
Don’t expect a goal-fest here, but there should be just enough drama to keep us on edge. Southampton can’t stop scoring, but they also can’t keep a clean sheet. Portsmouth grind out results and love a 1-0, but they’ll find it harder to shut Saints down at St. Mary’s.
A few betting angles worth looking at:
Southampton should control the ball, use their wing-backs to stretch Pompey, and create chances for Archer and Azaz. Portsmouth will sit deep, press when they can, and look for Bishop to nick something on the break.
But over 90 minutes? Saints’ home advantage and sharper attack should tell. Pompey won’t make it easy, but I see Southampton edging it.
Match Prediction: Southampton to win. Bet with bet365.
If you’re after a scoreline bet, 2-1 Southampton looks spot on. Saints have scored in every game recently but rarely look secure at the back. Portsmouth will fight, and Bishop is a good bet to get on the scoresheet.
Correct Score Prediction: Southampton 2-1 Portsmouth. Bet with bet365.
The numbers suggest this one won’t be a dull 0-0. Southampton’s last four have all seen both teams score, and Portsmouth have scored in three of their last four. Over 2.5 goals looks solid, and if you fancy a bit more risk, over 3.5 could be worth a punt.
Over/Under Prediction: Over 2.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.
Here’s a Southampton vs Portsmouth Bet Builder I like:
That covers how I see this one – tight, but with enough action for goals at both ends.
Bet Builder Tip: Southampton to Win, BTTS Yes, Archer Anytime Scorer & Over 2.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.
Key Stats
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Southampton are slight favourites with home advantage, but expect a close match.
Prediction: Southampton 2-1 Portsmouth.
At St. Mary’s Stadium, Southampton.
Cameron Archer and Finn Azaz for Southampton; Colby Bishop for Portsmouth.