Portsmouth vs Bristol City Prediction, Match Preview, Saturday, 29 November

Portsmouth are set to host Bristol City in an intriguing Championship encounter on Saturday, 29 November. The match will be played at Fratton Park, renowned for its electric atmosphere and passionate home support. Both sides are eager to improve their league positions, making this a crucial fixture for their respective campaigns.

Portsmouth will look to take advantage of their home ground, aiming to secure a vital win at Fratton Park. Meanwhile, Bristol City are determined to upset the hosts and collect valuable points on their travels. With both teams having plenty at stake, this match promises to be an engaging contest for fans and bettors alike as they weigh up the possible outcomes in this Championship fixture.

Portsmouth vs Bristol City Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Bristol City Double Chance (Win or Draw)	1.57

Considering the current form and league standings, our recommended betting tip for this fixture is Bristol City in the double chance market (Win/Draw). This choice offers a good balance of risk and reward, taking into account the strengths and weaknesses of both teams.

• Bristol City have scored in 82% of their matches this season, suggesting a strong likelihood of finding the net.
• Portsmouth have struggled defensively, conceding an average of 1.4 goals per game, which hampers their chances of securing a win.
• Bristol City’s recent away form, including a 1-0 victory at Birmingham, demonstrates their capability to perform well on the road.

Betting Odds

Portsmouth welcome Bristol City to Fratton Park, with the betting odds indicating a closely matched contest. Portsmouth are priced at 2.74, while Bristol City are available at 2.48, giving the visitors a slight edge according to the bookmakers. The draw, at 3.3, also presents an interesting option for those anticipating a stalemate.

Betting Tip	Odds
Portsmouth to win	2.74
Draw	3.3
Bristol City to win	2.48

This Championship fixture could offer value for punters targeting the over 2.5 goals market, given both teams’ attacking strengths. Watch for potential odds movement as kick-off approaches, which may present further opportunities.

Portsmouth Analysis & Past Performance

Portsmouth’s recent form has been inconsistent, with only one win in their last five matches—a 3-1 victory over Millwall—alongside three defeats and a draw. Their performances have been marked by a lack of consistency in both attack and defence, as highlighted by their recent 0-3 loss to Sheffield United where they managed just 35% possession and four shots on target.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Sheffield United	Portsmouth	3 – 0 (Loss)	Championship	26 Nov 2025
Portsmouth	Millwall	3 – 1 (Win)	Championship	22 Nov 2025
Hull	Portsmouth	3 – 2 (Loss)	Championship	8 Nov 2025
Portsmouth	Wrexham	0 – 0 (Draw)	Championship	5 Nov 2025
Birmingham	Portsmouth	4 – 0 (Loss)	Championship	1 Nov 2025

Recent Form:

• LWLDL

Portsmouth have averaged just 1.00 goal per game in their last five outings, while conceding 2.20 goals per game, exposing defensive frailties that have resulted in only one clean sheet during this period. At Fratton Park, their form is marginally better, with two wins from their last five home fixtures, but a win ratio of just 0.40 indicates their home advantage has not been fully exploited. Currently 20th in the table with 17 points, Portsmouth must tighten up defensively and improve their attacking output to climb the Championship standings.

Portsmouth Suspensions & Injuries

Portsmouth are facing a difficult period with several key players unavailable due to injuries and suspensions. Terry Devlin’s suspension following a red card leaves a gap in defence, prompting a tactical reshuffle from manager John Mousinho. This is further compounded by injuries to Connor Ogilvie, who is sidelined until early February 2026, significantly impacting their defensive depth. With both Devlin and Ogilvie absent, Mousinho may need to consider alternative defensive options, potentially deploying Zak Swanson or Regan Poole in central roles.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Terry Devlin	Red card	1	Unknown

Injuries to midfielders such as Conor Shaughnessy and Harvey Blair, both expected to return in early December, further limit Portsmouth’s midfield options. The potential return of Shaughnessy and Blair could strengthen the midfield, but until then, players like Andre Dozzell and Márk Kosznovszky must step up to fill the void. The impact of these injuries is felt not only in the starting XI but also in terms of bench strength, reducing tactical flexibility.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Thomas Waddingham	Hip injury	Late December 2025
Conor Shaughnessy	Hamstring injury	Early December 2025
Franco Umeh-Chibueze	Leg injury	Early December 2025
Harvey Blair	Hamstring injury	Early December 2025
Jacob Farrell	Groin injury	Mid December 2025
Connor Ogilvie	Knee injury	Early February 2026

The absence of key players due to injuries and suspensions could affect betting markets, as Portsmouth’s squad depth is tested against Bristol City. Bettors should consider these factors when evaluating Portsmouth’s prospects, as the team’s ability to adapt to these challenges will be critical in determining the outcome. With important fixtures on the horizon, Portsmouth’s resilience in overcoming these setbacks will be vital.

Portsmouth Key Players

Portsmouth’s key players will play a crucial role in their Championship clash with Bristol City. Leading the way is Adrian Segecic, the team’s top scorer with three goals this season. His creative influence in midfield adds both flair and a goal threat, making him a dual danger for the opposition. Alongside him, Andre Dozzell will be vital in dictating the tempo and orchestrating play from midfield, providing defensive cover as well as attacking impetus.

Up front, Colby Bishop’s physical presence and scoring instinct will be essential. His ability to hold up the ball and involve teammates gives Portsmouth a strategic edge, especially when combined with the pace and skill of wingers Joshua Murphy and Florian Bianchini. At the back, Regan Poole’s leadership and Josh Knight’s reliability are expected to provide the defensive solidity needed to withstand Bristol City’s attacking threats.

Expected lineup for Portsmouth

• Goalkeeper: Nicolas Schmid
• Defence: Jordan Williams, Josh Knight, Regan Poole, Zak Swanson
• Midfield: Márk Kosznovszky, Andre Dozzell, Adrian Segecic
• Forward: Florian Bianchini, Joshua Murphy, Colby Bishop

Portsmouth Tactics and Formation

Portsmouth Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Colby Bishop
• Midfield Pivot: Andre Dozzell and Márk Kosznovszky
• Defensive Strength: Struggling for clean sheets, conceding multiple goals in recent matches.
• Notable Strategy: Focus on structured defence and counter-attacking play.

Portsmouth, under John Mousinho, typically deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation designed to maintain defensive organisation while remaining ready to counter-attack. The midfield pairing of Andre Dozzell and Márk Kosznovszky is pivotal, tasked with disrupting opposition play and initiating transitions.

Defensively, the back line—featuring Terry Devlin and Regan Poole—has faced difficulties, conceding 11 goals in the last five matches. This underlines the need for greater cohesion and communication to achieve more clean sheets.

In attack, Colby Bishop leads the line, supported by attacking midfielders such as Florian Bianchini and Adrian Segecic. Portsmouth’s approach often relies on swift transitions and exploiting spaces left by opponents, though recent performances suggest there is room for improvement in execution.

Bristol City Analysis & Past Performance

Bristol City’s recent Championship form has been inconsistent, with just one win in their last five matches. They recorded a convincing 3-0 victory over Swansea but suffered defeats to Wrexham (0-2), Blackburn (0-1), and Stoke (1-5), as well as a draw at Watford (1-1).

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Wrexham	Bristol City	2 – 0 (Defeat)	Championship	Nov 26, 2025
Bristol City	Swansea	3 – 0 (Victory)	Championship	Nov 22, 2025
Watford	Bristol City	1 – 1 (Draw)	Championship	Nov 7, 2025
Bristol City	Blackburn	0 – 1 (Defeat)	Championship	Nov 4, 2025
Stoke	Bristol City	5 – 1 (Defeat)	Championship	Nov 1, 2025

Recent Form:
The team have averaged 1.00 goal per game in their last five outings, while conceding 1.80 goals per match, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities. Despite showing attacking potential, as demonstrated in their win over Swansea, defensive solidity has been lacking, with only one clean sheet in these fixtures.

Bristol City currently occupy 7th place in the league with 26 points, reflecting a mid-to-upper table position. Their away form also shows inconsistency, with a win ratio of 0.20 in their last five away matches—one win, two draws, and two defeats. This includes a recent loss at Wrexham, further underlining their struggles on the road.

Scott Twine remains a key attacking figure, having scored six goals this season. His form will be crucial if Bristol City are to improve their scoring average and secure more points away from home.

• LWDLL

Bristol City Suspensions & Injuries

Bristol City are contending with several key injuries that could affect their tactical approach against Portsmouth. Luke McNally’s cruciate ligament injury and Joe Williams’ ankle problem—both out until mid-January 2026—significantly weaken their defensive and midfield options. Rob Atkinson’s hamstring issue and Max Bird’s calf injury, both expected to resolve by early December, further deplete important areas. Manager Gerhard Struber will need to rely on squad depth, potentially adjusting formations or player roles.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Luke McNally	Cruciate ligament injury	Mid January 2026
Joe Williams	Ankle injury	Mid January 2026
Max Bird	Calf injury	Early December 2025
Josh Stokes	Metatarsal fracture	Mid December 2025
Harry Cornick	Groin injury	Late December 2025
Rob Atkinson	Hamstring injury	Early December 2025
Scott Twine	Hip injury	Late December 2025

The absence of Harry Cornick, sidelined with a groin injury until late December, and Scott Twine, out with a hip injury, complicates Bristol City’s attacking plans. This may increase reliance on Emil Riis Jakobsen up front, possibly prompting a shift to a more direct attacking style. The tactical flexibility of players like Anis Mehmeti and Zak Vyner will be vital in adapting to these challenges.

With no suspensions to manage, Bristol City’s main concern is their injury list. The impact on squad depth and versatility could influence betting markets, perhaps giving Portsmouth an edge due to Bristol City’s depleted squad. Nevertheless, the unpredictable nature of the Championship means Struber’s tactical ingenuity could still see Bristol City compete effectively despite these setbacks.

Bristol City Key Players

For the upcoming match against Portsmouth, Bristol City will be without their influential playmaker Scott Twine, who has been their top scorer this season with six goals. Twine’s absence is a significant blow, shifting responsibility to other key players. Anis Mehmeti, expected to lead the attack, is a dynamic forward capable of exploiting defensive gaps with his agility and creativity.

In midfield, Mark Sykes and Adam Randell will be crucial. Sykes provides a combination of defensive stability and attacking flair, while Randell’s vision and passing can unlock defences. At the back, Zak Vyner’s leadership and composure will be essential for organising the defence, with George Tanner’s pace and tackling ability also important in countering Portsmouth’s attacking threats.

Expected lineup for Bristol City

• Goalkeeper: Radek Vitek
• Defence: George Tanner, Robert Dickie, Zak Vyner
• Midfield: Ross McCrorie, Mark Sykes, Adam Randell, Haydon Roberts, Yu Hirakawa, Emil Riis Jakobsen
• Forward: Anis Mehmeti

Bristol City Tactics and Formation

Bristol City Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Likely 3-5-2
• Key Forward: Emil Riis Jakobsen
• Midfield Pivot: Adam Randell and Zak Vyner
• Defensive Strength: Only one clean sheet in last five matches
• Notable Strategy: Utilises wing-backs for width and pressing.

Bristol City, managed by Gerhard Struber, often line up in a 3-5-2 formation, which bolsters their midfield presence and offers flexibility in transitions. Adam Randell and Zak Vyner are central to the midfield, providing defensive cover and playmaking support, aided by the energetic wing-backs George Tanner and Haydon Roberts.

Defensively, the back three—featuring Rob Dickie—aims to provide stability but have found clean sheets hard to come by, with just one in the last five matches. This highlights a vulnerability in their defensive structure that must be addressed against Portsmouth.

In attack, Bristol City look to Emil Riis Jakobsen to lead the line, often supported by Anis Mehmeti in a creative role. Their strategy involves using the width provided by the wing-backs to stretch the opposition, enabling high pressing and quick transitions to create scoring opportunities.

Portsmouth vs Bristol City Head-to-Head Record

Examining the head-to-head record between Portsmouth and Bristol City, the visitors hold a slight advantage with four wins compared to Portsmouth’s three, while five encounters have ended in draws. The most recent meeting saw Bristol City claim a 3-0 victory in the Championship, underlining their recent dominance.

In Championship meetings, both sides have enjoyed victories, but Bristol City’s latest win could give them a psychological edge ahead of this fixture. Portsmouth, however, will be determined to make the most of their home advantage at Fratton Park to level the playing field.

Home Side	Away Side	Score	Competition	Date
Bristol City	Portsmouth	3 – 0	Championship	2024-12-29
Portsmouth	Bristol City	3 – 0	Championship	2024-12-07
Portsmouth	Bristol City	0 – 1	Friendly Match	2023-07-29
Bristol City	Portsmouth	0 – 0	Friendly Match	2022-07-12
Bristol City	Portsmouth	3 – 2 (Extra time: 0 – 1)	Friendly Match	2021-07-20