Norwich vs. Portsmouth Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 18 April 2025 - bettingexpert
On 18 April 2025, Norwich City will host Portsmouth at Carrow Road in a Championship clash crucial for both teams, but for different reasons. Norwich sits mid-table in 13th place, holding 53 points, while Portsmouth is fighting to avoid relegation, currently in 19th place with 46 points.
Norwich, led by coach Johannes Thorup, hasn’t been in top form lately (LDLLL), but they are the bookmaker’s favourite with odds of 1.80 to win. A draw, however, looks like a solid bet given both teams’ recent records. Portsmouth, under John Mousinho, has also been struggling (DLLLW) but pulled off a notable win against Derby in their most recent match.
Injuries are a concern for both sides. Norwich will miss several key players, including Gabe Forsyth and Lewis Dobbin. Portsmouth is without top scorer Callum Lang and several others, limiting their offensive capabilities.
Given their form and injuries, a draw could be on the cards.
## Norwich vs Portsmouth Prediction & Betting tip
| Norwich vs Portsmouth Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Draw | 3.67 |
- Both teams have similar recent form, with only one win each in their last five matches.
- The previous encounter between these teams ended in a 0-0 draw, indicating a balanced matchup.
- Portsmouth’s injuries, especially to key offensive players, might limit their ability to secure a win.
Given these points, a draw seems like a solid and safe bet for this match.
## Norwich vs Portsmouth Odds
| Norwich vs Portsmouth Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Norwich | 1.80 |
| Draw | 3.67 |
| Portsmouth | 4.16 |
Norwich are the bookmakers’ favourite given their home advantage and slightly better standings in the league. A draw presents decent value considering both teams’ recent form and their previous stalemate in December. Portsmouth’s odds reflect their lower position and crucial injuries impacting their lineup.
Given this, betting on a draw could yield a good return given both teams’ propensity to share points in tight contests.
## Norwich Team Analysis
### Norwich Recent Performance
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burnley | Norwich | 2025-04-11 | Championship | 2-1 (Loss) |
| Norwich | Sunderland | 2025-04-08 | Championship | 0-0 (Draw) |
| Plymouth | Norwich | 2025-04-05 | Championship | 2-1 (Loss) |
| Norwich | West Bromwich | 2025-03-29 | Championship | 1-0 (Win) |
| Bristol City | Norwich | 2025-03-14 | Championship | 2-1 (Loss) |
Norwich’s recent form hasn’t been stellar, with just one win in their last five outings. They managed a hard-fought 1-0 victory against West Bromwich but fell short in other matches, including a 2-1 defeat against Burnley.
They’ve found the back of the net an average of 0.80 times per game in their last five matches and kept two clean sheets. These defensive improvements, however, haven’t been enough to drastically improve their standings in the league. With a slight edge in their scoring ability towards the end of games, Norwich will hope to capitalize late in what promises to be a tight contest.
### Norwich Key Players
Norwich will be banking on the attacking prowess of Borja Sainz, the team’s top scorer with 17 goals this season. Sainz’s form and ability to find the net in crucial moments will be key in breaking down Portsmouth’s defense.
In the midfield, Anis Ben Slimane will be an essential playmaker, tasked with providing the creative spark and linking up with strikers like Emiliano Marcondes. Jacob Lungi Soerensen also brings reliability and vision to the center of the park, although his fitness remains in question.
Defensively, the solid trio of Shane Duffy, José Córdoba, and Jack Stacey will be responsible for keeping things tight at the back. Their ability to handle Portsmouth’s attacking threats could very well determine the game’s outcome.
Expected lineup for Norwich:
- Goalkeeper: Angus Gunn
- Defenders: Jack Stacey, Shane Duffy, José Córdoba, Ruairi McConville, Kellen Fisher
- Midfielders: Jacob Wright, Kenny McLean, Anis Ben Slimane
- Forwards: Emiliano Marcondes, Borja Sainz
### Norwich Suspensions & Injuries
Norwich is facing significant injury issues ahead of their clash with Portsmouth. Here’s the current injury list:
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Gabe Forsyth | Knee injury | Mid-May 2025 |
| Lewis Dobbin | Calf injury | Out for season |
| Ben Chrisene | Ankle injury | Out for season |
| Lucien Mahovo | Knee injury | Late April 2025 |
| Callum Doyle | Muscle injury | Late April 2025 |
| Onel Hernandez | Muscle injury | Late April 2025 |
| Ante Crnac | Ankle injury | Early May 2025 |
| Jakob Sörensen | Knock injury | A few days |
These injuries could hamper Norwich’s ability to field their strongest squad, particularly in defence and midfield. Key players like Gabe Forsyth and Lewis Dobbin being sidelined can impact their depth and rotational options. This could force Coach Johannes Thorup to rely on younger or less experienced players, which might affect their overall performance and strategy against Portsmouth.
### Norwich Tactics and Formation
Norwich Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: Expected to line up in a 4-3-3
- Key Forward: Borja Sainz, with 17 goals this season
- Midfield Trio: Jacob Wright, Kenny McLean, Anis Ben Slimane
- Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games
- Notable Strategy: Strong offense in the final 15 minutes, scoring most goals between the 76th and 90th minute interval.
Norwich are likely to employ a fluid 4-3-3 formation, focusing on controlling the midfield and creating opportunities for their top scorer, Borja Sainz. Coach Johannes Thorup might need to rely on younger or less experienced players due to injuries, which could affect depth, particularly in defense and midfield. Expect Norwich to maintain a solid backline led by Shane Duffy and José Córdoba, while aiming to utilize their attacking prowess in the closing stages of the game.
Portsmouth Team Analysis
Portsmouth Recent Performance
Portsmouth has had a rough patch recently, winning just once in their last five Championship games. Their recent form is marked by inconsistency, evident in their DLLLW record.
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portsmouth | Derby | 2025-04-12 | Championship | 2-2 (Draw) |
| Coventry | Portsmouth | 2025-04-09 | Championship | 1-0 (Loss) |
| Millwall | Portsmouth | 2025-04-05 | Championship | 2-1 (Loss) |
| Portsmouth | Blackburn | 2025-03-29 | Championship | 1-0 (Win) |
| Preston | Portsmouth | 2025-03-15 | Championship | 2-1 (Loss) |
Portsmouth averages 1.00 goals per game in their last five matches and has managed only one clean sheet. Defensive lapses have been evident, conceding in four out of their last five games.
With several key players injured, including top scorer Callum Lang, Pompey might struggle to find their offensive rhythm. Manager John Mousinho will need his squad to tighten the defensive unit and capitalize on scoring opportunities to secure vital points at this stage of the season.
Portsmouth Key Players
Portsmouth will be looking to key players like Colby Bishop in their upcoming match against Norwich City. With their top scorer Callum Lang sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Bishop’s contribution up front will be crucial. Matt Ritchie on the right wing and Isaac Hayden anchoring the midfield are also pivotal for Portsmouth’s strategy.
Expected lineup for Portsmouth:
- Goalkeeper: Nicolas Schmid
- Defenders: Zak Swanson, Regan Poole, Rob Atkinson, Connor Ogilvie
- Midfielders: Freddie Potts, Isaac Hayden, Matt Ritchie, Christian Saydee, Josh Murphy
- Striker: Colby Bishop
Individual battles to watch include Colby Bishop against Norwich’s central defender Shane Duffy, which could be a determining factor in the match outcome.
Portsmouth Suspensions & Injuries
Portsmouth is dealing with several key injuries, which could significantly impact their performance against Norwich. Here’s a comprehensive look at their current injury list:
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Ibane Bowat | Tendon injury | Out for season |
| Jacob Farrell | Knee surgery | Early May 2025 |
| Paddy Lane | Knee injury | Late April 2025 |
| Conor Shaughnessy | Hamstring injury | Late April 2025 |
| Callum Lang | Hamstring injury | Out for season |
| Hayden Matthews | Ankle injury | Out for season |
These injuries, especially that of key striker Callum Lang, who is the top scorer with 10 goals, could limit Portsmouth’s offensive capabilities. Without Lang, the team will need others, like Colby Bishop, to step up in the attack. The absence of key defenders and midfielders also puts additional pressure on the remaining players to maintain a solid defensive structure.
Portsmouth Tactics and Formation
Portsmouth Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Defensive Line:
- Right back: Zak Swanson
- Right centre back: Regan Poole
- Left centre back: Rob Atkinson
- Left back: Connor Ogilvie
- Midfield Duo:
- Right defensive midfielder: Freddie Potts
- Left defensive midfielder: Isaac Hayden
- Attacking Trio:
- Right wing: Matt Ritchie
- Attacking midfielder: Christian Saydee
- Left wing: Joshua Murphy
- Key Forward:
- Centre forward: Colby Bishop
Portsmouth’s 4-2-3-1 formation allows them to maintain a solid defensive structure while offering flexibility in attack. With Freddie Potts and Isaac Hayden shielding the defence, the team emphasizes defensive solidity. Matt Ritchie and Joshua Murphy provide width, while Saydee looks to exploit spaces in the attacking midfield role. Colby Bishop will be key in converting chances upfront.
Injuries to key players, like top scorer Callum Lang, may impact their offensive capabilities, putting more pressure on this setup to deliver.
Norwich vs Portsmouth Head-to-Head Statistics
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portsmouth | Norwich City | 2024-12-10 | Championship | 0-0 (Draw) |
| Norwich City | Portsmouth | 2019-01-05 | FA Cup | 0-1 (Loss) |
| Portsmouth | Norwich City | 2011-05-02 | Championship | 0-1 (Win) |
| Norwich City | Portsmouth | 2010-12-11 | Championship | 0-2 (Loss) |
| Portsmouth | Norwich City | 2005-01-01 | Premier League | 1-1 (Draw) |
Norwich and Portsmouth have had a diverse set of results in their last five meetings, with Portsmouth winning twice, Norwich winning once, and two matches ending in a draw.
The most recent encounter in December 2024 ended in a 0-0 draw, suggesting a well-balanced contest.
Both teams will seek to break this pattern and gain crucial points in the Championship standings.
Odds accurate as of 16.04.2025 15:04, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
