Portsmouth lock horns with Middlesbrough on matchday nine of the Championship this Saturday. The two sides are perched in opposite halves of the points table, setting up an intriguing clash at Fratton Park.
### Recent Form
John Mousinho’s Portsmouth come into the game following a 2-2 home draw with Watford in midweek. Pompey took an early lead thanks to Yang Min-hyeok’s fifth-minute opener. However, Watford turned the game around to lead with 34 minutes remaining before Portsmouth salvaged a point through Adrian Segecic’s 79th-minute strike. This result ended Portsmouth’s two-game losing streak, but they remain 17th in the standings with nine points from eight matches, having won just two so far this season.
On the other hand, Rob Edwards’ Middlesbrough are fresh from a goalless draw at home against Stoke City. Despite dominating possession with 56%, Boro couldn’t find a breakthrough. This marked their third draw in four games, including the last two, but they still sit atop the Championship table. Middlesbrough have accumulated 18 points from eight games, winning five and holding a two-point lead over second-placed Coventry City, the only other unbeaten side in the competition.
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### Portsmouth vs Middlesbrough: Head-to-Head Stats and Key Numbers
– The two sides have met 113 times across all competitions.
– Middlesbrough lead the overall head-to-head 42 wins to Portsmouth’s 39.
– Portsmouth won their most recent encounter 2-1 away in the Championship in January.
– In their last eight meetings, Portsmouth have won twice and lost once.
– Portsmouth have claimed just one win from five home games across competitions this season, losing three.
– Middlesbrough remain unbeaten on their travels this season, winning two of their four away games.
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### Form Guide (Last Five Games Across Competitions)
– **Portsmouth:** D – L – L – D – W
– **Middlesbrough:** D – D – W – D – W
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### Match Prediction
The two teams have had contrasting starts to the season. Portsmouth are struggling near the bottom of the table, while Middlesbrough lead the pack despite a slight dip in recent performances. Their head-to-head record is fairly even, with the visitors holding a slender advantage.
Given Middlesbrough’s unbeaten away record and their status as league leaders, they look the more likely to claim victory. Expect the visitors to bounce back from their recent stumbles and consolidate their position at the top.
**Prediction: Portsmouth 1 – 2 Middlesbrough**
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### Betting Tips
– **Tip 1:** Middlesbrough to win
– **Tip 2:** Both teams to score (Both have scored in their last four games.)
– **Tip 3:** Over 1.5 goals (Eight of their last nine meetings have seen at least two goals.)
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This exciting Championship encounter promises to be a competitive fixture as Portsmouth host Middlesbrough at Fratton Park. Fans can expect goals and plenty of drama as both teams look to secure vital points.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/portsmouth-vs-middlesbrough-prediction-betting-tips-october-4th-2025
