Birmingham vs. Portsmouth Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 1 November 2025

As the Championship rolls into its 13th round, Birmingham host Portsmouth at St Andrew’s Knighthead Park on 1 November 2025 at 15:00. This clash sees two teams striving to climb the table, with Birmingham currently in 15th place with 15 points, while Portsmouth sit 18th with 13 points. Both sides have shown glimpses of potential this season but have struggled with consistency.

Birmingham enter the match as the bookmaker favourite with odds of 1.76, largely thanks to their slightly better form and the advantage of playing at home. However, it may not be plain sailing for Chris Davies’ side. Portsmouth have proven to be resilient, scoring in 83% of their games and have a history of recent success against Birmingham in head-to-head encounters.

In their last five matches, Birmingham have shown mixed form (DDLWL), but with top scorer Jay Stansfield (5 goals) in their ranks, they’ll hope to find the net. Portsmouth, also with an inconsistent recent record (DWDLL), will rely on Adrian Segecic and their ability to score late in games.

Given the recent form, the recommended bet is Portsmouth +0.75 (AH), considering their knack for scoring and Birmingham’s tendency to concede.

Expect an engaging contest as both clubs vie for crucial points to steady their campaigns.

Birmingham vs Portsmouth Prediction & Betting Tip

Portsmouth’s ability to snag a goal in 83% of their matches, paired with Birmingham’s average of conceding 1.1 goals, makes the +0.75 Asian Handicap a solid recommendation. Here’s why:

• Resilient Attack: Portsmouth have a strong track record of scoring, which increases their chances of at least drawing the game.
• Inconsistent Form: Both teams have struggled recently, making a close contest likely. Portsmouth’s recent success in head-to-head clashes suggests they can earn at least a draw.
• Better Odds: At 1.85, this bet offers good value considering the teams’ current form and scoring tendencies.

Expect a competitive match, with plenty on the line for both clubs striving to climb the Championship standings.

Birmingham vs Portsmouth Odds

This Championship clash between Birmingham and Portsmouth presents intriguing betting opportunities with numerous factors to consider.

Birmingham are favoured to win at 1.76, mainly due to their slightly better form and the home advantage. However, Portsmouth’s resilience and knack for scoring in 83% of their matches this season make a surprise result not entirely out of the question.

The odds for a draw are set at 3.55, reflecting the potential for a close and competitive match. Portsmouth to win stands at 4.54, indicating their underdog status but also highlighting the value for those willing to back an upset given their recent success in head-to-head encounters.

Expect an engaging match as both teams strive to secure crucial points in the Championship standings.

Birmingham Team Analysis

Birmingham Recent Performance

Birmingham’s recent form has been a mixed bag, with their last five matches resulting in two draws, two losses, and a single win. The team’s performance pattern encapsulated in the sequence DDLWL reflects their ongoing struggle for consistency.

• Recent Matches:
• Bristol City 1-0 Birmingham
• Preston 0-1 Birmingham
• Birmingham 2-3 Hull
• Wrexham 1-1 Birmingham
• Birmingham 2-2 Sheffield Wednesday

Birmingham have averaged 1.20 goals per game over their last five fixtures but have managed just one clean sheet during this period. Their defence has been somewhat leaky, conceding an average of 1.1 goals per game this season.

Despite these challenges, top scorer Jay Stansfield, with 5 goals under his belt, remains a crucial figure for Chris Davies’ side as they aim to leverage their home advantage.

Birmingham Key Players

Birmingham will be banking on the performance of their key players to secure a win against Portsmouth. The standout player for them is undoubtedly Jay Stansfield, who has netted 5 goals this season and remains their top scorer. His ability to find the back of the net will be crucial, especially against a Portsmouth side known for late-game comebacks.

Alongside Stansfield, midfielder Tommy Doyle is expected to be another pivotal figure, providing the creative spark needed to break down opposing defences. Consistency from the defensive lineup, led by Phil Neumann and Christoph Klarer, will also be essential to tighten up at the back given they’ve only managed one clean sheet in their last five games.

Expected lineup for Birmingham:

• Goalkeeper: James Beadle
• Defenders: Tomoki Iwata, Phil Neumann, Christoph Klarer, Alex Cochrane
• Midfielders: Marc Leonard, Seung-ho Paik, Patrick Roberts, Tommy Doyle, Keshi Anderson
• Forward: Jay Stansfield

Birmingham Suspensions & Injuries

Birmingham City are facing a bit of a challenge as they head into this match with Portsmouth, dealing with multiple injuries and a suspension. Defender Jack Robinson is out due to a red card suspension, with three matches left on his ban. This will undoubtedly impact their defensive stability.

On the injury front, the team is missing several key players:

• Scott Wright (knee injury, potential return early November 2025)
• Lee Buchanan (knee injury, potential return mid-November 2025)
• Willum Thór Willumsson (muscle injury, potential return early November 2025)
• Ethan Laird (hamstring injury, potential return early November 2025)
• Bright Osayi-Samuel (foot injury, potential return early November 2025)

These absences could pose significant challenges for manager Chris Davies, especially in maintaining a cohesive defensive line and attacking depth. The return of Wright, Willumsson, and Laird in early November could be a crucial boost for the team’s upcoming fixtures.

Birmingham Tactics and Formation

Birmingham City, under the guidance of manager Chris Davies, traditionally lean on a 4-2-3-1 formation, providing a balanced approach between attack and defence.
Birmingham Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Jay Stansfield
• Creative Midfielder: Tommy Doyle
• Defensive Backbone: Phil Neumann and Christoph Klarer
• Notable Strategy: Utilize wingers and overlap from full-backs to create scoring opportunities

With Stansfield spearheading the attack and Doyle in the playmaker role, they focus on quick transitions and exploiting wide areas. The dual defensive midfield setup with Marc Leonard and Seung-ho Paik adds a layer of protection to the back line, which has been crucial given their average of conceding 1.1 goals per game.

Consistency in formation and strategy will be key to counter Portsmouth’s resilience, especially knowing Birmingham have managed only one clean sheet in their last five matches.

Portsmouth Team Analysis

Portsmouth Recent Performance

Portsmouth’s recent form has shown some inconsistency, mirrored in their last five matches with two draws, one win, and two losses (DWDLL).

• Recent Matches:
• Portsmouth 0-1 Stoke
• Portsmouth 1-2 Coventry
• Leicester 1-1 Portsmouth
• Portsmouth 1-0 Middlesbrough
• Portsmouth 2-2 Watford

Portsmouth have managed to score in four of their last five games, averaging 1.00 goals per game. However, they’ve matched this with defensive frailties, obtaining just one clean sheet in this period. This underscores a concerning pattern of conceding goals that have cost them valuable points.

With top scorer Adrian Segecic sidelined due to injury, responsibility falls on other key players such as Conor Chaplin and Colby Bishop to step up in attack. Portsmouth must tighten their defence and maintain their scoring momentum to secure better results going forward.

Portsmouth Key Players

Portsmouth’s prospects against Birmingham will hinge heavily on the performances of several key players. Despite the absence of top scorer Adrian Segecic, who has netted 3 goals this season and is out with an ankle injury, the team has other significant assets.

Midfielder Conor Chaplin is expected to shoulder much of the creative burden, with his ability to play incisive passes and contribute to the team’s goal tally being vital. Similarly, forward Colby Bishop will be crucial in the attack, especially in the absence of Segecic.

Defensively, the partnership of Regan Poole and Hayden Matthews will be tasked with shutting down Birmingham’s potent attacking threats led by Jay Stansfield.

Expected lineup for Portsmouth:

• Goalkeeper: Josef Bursik
• Defenders: Jordan Williams, Hayden Matthews, Regan Poole, Connor Ogilvie
• Midfielders: Marlon Pack, Andre Dozzell, Conor Chaplin, John Swift, Min-hyeok Yang
• Forward: Colby Bishop

The battles between Chaplin and Birmingham’s defensive mids, as well as Bishop against their centre backs, will be pivotal in determining the match’s outcome.

Portsmouth Suspensions & Injuries

Portsmouth are grappling with a considerable injury list as they prepare to take on Birmingham. Key absentee Adrian Segecic (ankle injury) is a significant loss, having been their top scorer with 3 goals.

Other notable injuries include:

• Callum Lang (hamstring, potential return early November 2025)
• Nicolas Schmid (broken hand, potential return late December 2025)
• Thomas Waddingham (hip injury, potential return late December 2025)
• Conor Shaughnessy (hamstring, potential return early November 2025)
• Franco Umeh-Chibueze (leg injury, potential return early November 2025)
• Harvey Blair (hamstring, potential return mid-November 2025)
• Jacob Farrell (groin injury, potential return mid-November 2025)

These injuries will test the depth of John Mousinho’s squad, particularly impacting their attacking options. While no suspensions are currently affecting the team, managing these injuries will be crucial for maintaining competitiveness in the upcoming fixtures.

Portsmouth Tactics and Formation

John Mousinho’s Portsmouth side typically employs a 4-2-3-1 formation, balancing the need for solid defence with an effective attacking setup.
Portsmouth Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Colby Bishop
• Creative Midfielder: Conor Chaplin
• Defensive Backbone: Regan Poole and Hayden Matthews
• Notable Strategy: Late-game scoring, with most goals scored in the 76-90-minute interval.

With Colby Bishop leading the line and supported by Conor Chaplin’s creativity, Portsmouth tends to build up play methodically, often creating scoring opportunities late in the game. Their defensive setup, anchored by Regan Poole and Hayden Matthews, is designed to absorb pressure and initiate quick counterattacks. Despite their current injury woes, the use of this formation and tactical approach has seen them remain competitive in most matches, emphasizing resilience and late-game comebacks.

Birmingham vs Portsmouth Head-to-Head Statistics

Looking at the historical encounters between Birmingham and Portsmouth, the past five meetings display a mixed bag of results. Portsmouth have had the upper hand recently, winning the last two matchups convincingly.

• Portsmouth 3-0 Birmingham (EFL Cup, 2019-08-06)
• Portsmouth 4-1 Birmingham (Championship, 2012-03-20)
• Birmingham 1-0 Portsmouth (Championship, 2012-02-07)
• Portsmouth 1-2 Birmingham (Premier League, 2010-03-09)
• Portsmouth 2-0 Birmingham (FA Cup, 2010-03-06)

These results show Portsmouth’s recent dominance, especially notable in cup competitions. Birmingham will be keen to reverse this trend, leveraging their slight form advantage and home support. Portsmouth, with a history of recent successes, will aim to maintain their upper hand. This head-to-head record adds an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming match at St Andrew’s Knighthead Park.

Odds accurate as of October 30, 2025, 15:02, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.