Date of Tips: 29/09/2025
Disclaimer The odds for these selections were correct at the time of publishing (14:15 29/09/2025) but may have changed since. Please check the latest price before placing your bet.
Portsmouth FC
v Watford FC 
Fratton Park
Championship Matchday 8 
01-10-2025 18:45
Portsmouth Form
Watford Form
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
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.
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
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:
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.
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.
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.
Here’s a combo that fits how I see the game going:
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
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It’s a tough one, but form suggests Watford have the edge. A draw is also very possible given both teams’ struggles.
The game takes place at Fratton Park, Portsmouth’s famous home ground.
Kick-off is scheduled for 19:45 UK time on Wednesday, 1 October 2025.
Portsmouth have struggled for goals and consistency, while Watford have been mixed but showed signs of progress with their win over Hull.
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