Portsmouth vs Blackburn Prediction, Match Preview, 13 December

Portsmouth vs Blackburn Prediction, Match Preview, 13 December. Looking ahead to this Championship clash on Saturday, 13 December, all eyes will be on Fratton Park as Portsmouth host Blackburn. This encounter promises to be a significant fixture in the Championship, with both teams eager to secure crucial points as the season progresses.

Portsmouth, playing at their home ground, Fratton Park, will aim to make the most of their home advantage against Blackburn. Meanwhile, Blackburn will be looking to challenge their hosts and climb the league table. With both sides having plenty at stake, this match is set to be a compelling contest in the Championship.

Portsmouth vs Blackburn Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Both Teams to Score – Yes	1.83

Given the current form and defensive issues affecting both teams, our recommended betting tip for this match is Both Teams to Score (BTTS) – Yes. The attacking potential and defensive vulnerabilities highlighted make this a strong market to consider.

• Portsmouth and Blackburn both have significant injuries in their defensive lines, increasing the likelihood of goals at both ends.
• Blackburn have managed to score in 74% of their matches this season, showing they are capable of finding the net consistently.
• Portsmouth’s recent three-goal performance against Millwall at home indicates they can exploit Blackburn’s defensive vulnerabilities.

Betting Odds

Portsmouth and Blackburn are set to clash at Fratton Park, and the betting odds suggest a closely contested match. Portsmouth are priced at 2.7 to win, while Blackburn are slightly favoured at 2.58. A draw, which could be a smart punt given the evenly matched teams, is at 3.19.

Betting Tip	Odds
Portsmouth to win	2.7
Draw	3.19
Blackburn to win	2.58

For those considering other markets, both teams have shown a knack for finding the net, making the ‘both teams to score’ market an intriguing option. With the Championship’s unpredictable nature, this match promises plenty of betting opportunities.

Portsmouth Analysis & Past Performance

Portsmouth’s recent form has been concerning, with the team enduring a string of poor results, evidenced by just one win and four losses in their last five games. Most recently, they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat away at Swansea, despite maintaining 50% possession and attempting 10 shots compared to Swansea’s 15. This result highlights their struggle to convert opportunities into goals.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Swansea	Portsmouth	1 – 0 (Defeat)	Championship	9 Dec 2025
Portsmouth	Bristol City	0 – 1 (Defeat)	Championship	29 Nov 2025
Sheffield United	Portsmouth	3 – 0 (Defeat)	Championship	26 Nov 2025
Portsmouth	Millwall	3 – 1 (Victory)	Championship	22 Nov 2025
Hull	Portsmouth	3 – 2 (Defeat)	Championship	8 Nov 2025

Recent Form:
Portsmouth have averaged 1.00 goals scored per match in their last five games, while conceding an average of 1.80 goals. Their defensive frailties are further underscored by the absence of clean sheets during this period. At home, they have a win ratio of 20%, indicating a struggle to capitalise on home advantage, with only one win from their last five matches at Fratton Park.

In terms of overall team dynamics, Portsmouth sit 22nd in the Championship standings with 17 points, reflecting a challenging season. Adrian Segecic, with three goals, remains their top scorer, yet the team’s offensive output has been insufficient. The combination of a low scoring average and a leaky defence remains a significant hurdle for Portsmouth in their bid to climb the league table.

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Portsmouth Suspensions & Injuries

Portsmouth face a challenging situation with several key players sidelined due to injuries. Conor Shaughnessy, Franco Umeh-Chibueze, and Jacob Farrell are all expected to return by mid-December, which may come as a relief to manager John Mousinho. However, the absence of Connor Ogilvie, who is out until early February 2026, presents a significant defensive concern, especially against Blackburn’s potent attack. Thomas Waddingham’s hip injury further depletes the squad, with his return not anticipated until late December.

Josh Knight and Regan Poole are listed as doubtful, which could impact Portsmouth’s defensive options if they are unable to recover in time. The potential absence of these players may force Mousinho to rely on less experienced squad members, potentially affecting the team’s defensive stability and tactical flexibility.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Thomas Waddingham	Hip injury	Late December 2025
Conor Shaughnessy	Hamstring injury	Mid December 2025
Franco Umeh-Chibueze	Leg injury	Mid December 2025
Jacob Farrell	Groin injury	Mid December 2025
Connor Ogilvie	Knee injury	Early February 2026
Josh Knight	Back injury	Doubtful
Regan Poole	Ankle injury	Doubtful

With a number of key players out, Portsmouth will likely need to adapt their strategy, possibly shifting to a more conservative formation to compensate for the lack of defensive depth. The reliance on players like Terry Devlin and Hayden Matthews in the backline will be crucial. The absence of established defenders could influence betting markets, potentially shifting odds in Blackburn’s favour due to Portsmouth’s weakened defensive line.

Despite these challenges, Portsmouth’s midfield and attacking options remain largely intact, which could provide a silver lining. The presence of Marlon Pack and John Swift in midfield will be pivotal in maintaining possession and dictating the pace of the game, while Callum Lang will be tasked with leading the attack.

Portsmouth Key Players

Portsmouth’s top scorer, Adrian Segecic, who has netted three goals this season, will be pivotal in their offensive strategy against Blackburn. Segecic’s knack for finding the back of the net, coupled with his ability to exploit defensive gaps, makes him a constant threat. His partnership with Callum Lang in the forward line is expected to be a focal point in breaking down Blackburn’s defence.

Conor Chaplin, a dynamic midfielder, is another key player expected to have a significant influence on the game. His vision and passing ability could unlock numerous opportunities for Portsmouth. In defence, Zak Swanson’s pace and tackling will be crucial in containing Blackburn’s wingers. The tactical impact of these players lies in their ability to transition quickly from defence to attack, which could catch the opposition off guard.

Expected lineup for Portsmouth:

• Goalkeeper: Nicolas Schmid
• Defenders: Terry Devlin, Hayden Matthews, Ibane Bowat, Zak Swanson
• Midfielders: Marlon Pack, Andre Dozzell, Conor Chaplin
• Forwards: Min-hyeok Yang, Joshua Murphy, Callum Lang

Portsmouth Tactics and Formation

Portsmouth Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Callum Lang
• Midfield Pivot: Marlon Pack and John Swift
• Defensive Concerns: No clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on wing play and set-pieces.

Portsmouth are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under John Mousinho, aiming to strike a balance between defensive stability and attacking creativity. The midfield pairing of Marlon Pack and John Swift is critical, offering both defensive cover and the ability to transition quickly into attack.

Callum Lang will lead the line as the central striker, supported by the attacking trio of Min-hyeok Yang, Conor Chaplin, and Josh Murphy. This setup allows for dynamic wing play, which Portsmouth often looks to exploit, especially through the pace and dribbling skills of Murphy.

Defensively, Portsmouth have struggled, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last five matches. The backline, including Terry Devlin and Hayden Matthews, will need to tighten up against Blackburn’s attacking threats. Set-pieces could provide a crucial avenue for Portsmouth to create scoring opportunities, given their recent difficulties in open play.

Blackburn Analysis & Past Performance

Blackburn have endured a mixed run of form recently, managing only one win in their last five outings, with a record of one win, one loss, and three draws. Their latest match against Oxford ended in a 1-1 draw, highlighting their tendency to share the spoils frequently.

Home Side	Away Side	Outcome	League	Date
Blackburn	Oxford	1 – 1 (Draw)	Championship	9 Dec 2025
Blackburn	Ipswich	1 – 1 (Draw)	Championship	2 Dec 2025
Wrexham	Blackburn	1 – 1 (Draw)	Championship	29 Nov 2025
Blackburn	Queens Park Rangers	0 – 1 (Loss)	Championship	26 Nov 2025
Preston	Blackburn	1 – 2 (Win)	Championship	21 Nov 2025

Recent Form:

• DDDLW

In their last five matches, Blackburn have averaged 1.00 goal per game while conceding the same number, indicating a balanced yet unremarkable performance in both attack and defence. They have failed to keep a clean sheet during this period, which underscores concerns about their defensive solidity. Moreover, Blackburn have been involved in matches where both teams scored in four out of their last five games, resulting in an 80% rate for both teams finding the net.

Blackburn Suspensions & Injuries

Blackburn face a challenging situation with several key players sidelined due to injuries. Jake Garrett and Hayden Carter are both expected back by mid-December, which suggests they might just miss out on this fixture. Their absence in defence may force Blackburn to rely more heavily on players like Sean McLoughlin and George Pratt. Meanwhile, Augustus Kargbo and Scott Wharton are out until late January, which could further strain Blackburn’s defensive depth and tactical flexibility.

The midfield is also affected, with Ryan Hedges and Sondre Tronstad unavailable until late December. This means the team might need to depend on players like Sidnei Tavares and Taylor Gardner-Hickman to fill the void. The absence of Adam Forshaw due to a hamstring injury until early January adds to Blackburn’s midfield woes.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Jake Garrett	Leg injury	Mid December 2025
Augustus Kargbo	Calf injury	Late January 2026
Scott Wharton	Achilles tendon injury	Late January 2026
Balazs Toth	Knee surgery	Late March 2026
Hayden Carter	Calf injury	Mid December 2025
Sondre Tronstad	Ankle injury	Late December 2025
Kristi Montgomery	Ankle injury	Late December 2025
Ryan Hedges	Muscle injury	Late December 2025
Adam Forshaw	Hamstring injury	Early January 2026

With these injuries, Blackburn’s coach, Valérien Ismaël, may have to reconsider his tactical approach, potentially shifting to a more conservative formation to cover the defensive gaps. The lack of depth could also impact Blackburn’s ability to maintain a high-tempo game, potentially influencing betting markets to favour Portsmouth, especially given their home advantage.

The absence of key players might necessitate a more cautious approach from Blackburn, focusing on solidifying their defence and looking to counter-attack. The reliance on less experienced players could be a double-edged sword, offering both an opportunity for young talent to shine and a risk of untested strategies under pressure.

Blackburn Key Players

Leading the charge for Blackburn is their top scorer, Andri Guðjohnsen, who has netted six goals this season. Guðjohnsen’s clinical finishing and ability to find space in the box make him a constant threat to any defence. His partnership with Yuki Ohashi in the forward line could be pivotal in breaking down Portsmouth’s backline.

In midfield, Sidnei Tavares and Taylor Gardner-Hickman are expected to orchestrate play. Tavares’s vision and passing range allow him to dictate the tempo, while Gardner-Hickman’s energy and ball-winning ability provide balance. On the wings, Ryan Alebiosu and Ryoya Morishita offer pace and width, crucial for stretching the opposition and creating chances.

Expected lineup for Blackburn

• Goalkeeper: Aynsley Pears
• Defenders: Yuri Ribeiro, Sean McLoughlin, George Pratt
• Midfielders: Ryan Alebiosu, Sidnei Tavares, Taylor Gardner-Hickman, Lewis Miller, Ryoya Morishita
• Forwards: Yuki Ohashi, Andri Guðjohnsen

Defensively, the trio of Yuri Ribeiro, Sean McLoughlin, and George Pratt will need to maintain their composure to withstand Portsmouth’s attacks. Their ability to intercept and initiate counter-attacks will be integral to Blackburn’s strategy. Overall, the tactical impact of these key players will be crucial in determining Blackburn’s success in this fixture.

Blackburn Tactics and Formation

Blackburn Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-5-2
• Key Forward: Andri Guðjohnsen
• Midfield Pivot: Taylor Gardner-Hickman and Sidnei Tavares
• Defensive Strength: Struggled with clean sheets, conceding in all last five games
• Notable Strategy: High possession play and utilisation of wing-backs.

Blackburn’s likely 3-5-2 formation under Valérien Ismaël is built to maximise possession, as evidenced by their 54% possession in the last match against Oxford. With wing-backs Ryan Alebiosu and Yuri Ribeiro providing width, the system allows for dynamic transitions from defence to attack.

Defensively, the back three of Lewis Miller, Sean McLoughlin, and George Pratt face challenges in maintaining clean sheets, having conceded in each of their last five matches. This setup may leave them vulnerable to quick counter-attacks if the wing-backs are caught out of position.

Offensively, Blackburn rely heavily on the prowess of Andri Guðjohnsen, their top scorer with six goals this season. With support from Yuki Ohashi, the focus is on creating opportunities through intricate midfield play and exploiting the spaces behind the opposition’s defence.

Portsmouth vs Blackburn Head-to-Head Record

In their head-to-head record, Blackburn have been dominant with 14 wins compared to Portsmouth’s 5, and there have been 5 draws. The last time these two met, Portsmouth clinched a 1-0 victory at Fratton Park in the Championship, which was a rare win for Pompey in this fixture.

The last meeting in the Championship saw Blackburn comfortably win 3-0 at home. Portsmouth will be hoping to replicate their recent home success when they host Blackburn again. Historically, Blackburn have had the upper hand, especially in away fixtures.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Portsmouth	Blackburn Rovers	1 – 0	Championship	2025-03-29
Blackburn Rovers	Portsmouth	3 – 0	Championship	2025-01-15
Portsmouth	Blackburn Rovers	1 – 2	League One	2018-02-13
Blackburn Rovers	Portsmouth	3 – 0	League One	2017-10-21
Portsmouth	Blackburn Rovers	0 – 0	Premier League	2010-04-03