Preston vs Portsmouth Prediction, Match Preview, Saturday, 7 February

Preston vs Portsmouth Prediction, Match Preview: This Saturday, 7 February, the Championship sees Preston take on Portsmouth at Deepdale. Both teams are eager to make a significant impact in the league standings, with Preston aiming to capitalise on their home advantage. Deepdale, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, will set the stage for these two English sides to clash, each determined to secure crucial points.

Preston, playing on familiar ground, will be keen to make the most of their home support against Portsmouth, who are equally determined to climb the Championship table. As both teams have shown competitive form this season, this match promises to be a closely contested affair. Fans and punters alike will be watching closely to see which team can gain the upper hand in this pivotal encounter.

Preston vs Portsmouth Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Draw in the match between Preston North End and Portsmouth	3.2

Given the current form and historical context, our betting tip is to back the draw at odds of 3.20. Both teams have been inconsistent and are dealing with significant injury issues, making it unlikely for either side to dominate.

• The recent form of both teams shows a lack of consistency, with each managing just one win in their last five matches.
• Historical head-to-head clashes between these teams have often ended in draws, with three stalemates in their last seven encounters.
• Injuries to key players on both sides, combined with expected damp, cloudy conditions, suggest a cagey, low-scoring affair.

The recent form of both teams shows a lack of consistency, with each managing just one win in their last five matches.

Historical head-to-head clashes between these teams have often ended in draws, with three stalemates in their last seven encounters.

Injuries to key players on both sides, combined with expected damp, cloudy conditions, suggest a cagey, low-scoring affair.

Betting Odds

Preston step onto the pitch at Deepdale as slight favourites with odds of 2.37, but Portsmouth’s odds of 3.03 indicate they cannot be underestimated. The draw is priced at 3.12, suggesting a closely contested match is expected.

Betting Tip	Odds
Preston to win	2.37
Draw	3.12
Portsmouth to win	3.03

For those looking to place a bet, the match odds reflect the potential for both teams to score, and with the Championship’s unpredictable nature, there may be value in exploring the over 2.5 goals market.

Preston Analysis & Past Performance

Preston’s recent form has been concerning, with the team failing to secure a win in their last five matches. Their most recent outing ended in a 1-1 draw against Ipswich, marking a slight improvement after four consecutive losses. This poor run has seen them drop vital points, maintaining a league position of 9th with 44 points.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Ipswich	Preston	1 – 1 (Draw)	Championship	31 Jan 2026
Middlesbrough	Preston	4 – 0 (Loss)	Championship	24 Jan 2026
Preston	Hull	0 – 3 (Loss)	Championship	20 Jan 2026
Preston	Derby	0 – 1 (Loss)	Championship	17 Jan 2026
Preston	Wigan	0 – 1 (Loss)	FA Cup	9 Jan 2026

Recent Form:

• DLLLL

Preston’s attack has struggled significantly, averaging only 0.20 goals per game in their last five matches. Their defence has been equally problematic, conceding an average of 2.00 goals per match, resulting in no clean sheets during this period. At home, Preston have not fared much better, with just one win in their last five home games, indicating a win ratio of 0.20. The lack of scoring threats and defensive lapses have been pivotal in their recent struggles.

Preston Suspensions & Injuries

Preston will face a challenging task against Portsmouth with several key players unavailable due to injuries and suspensions. Notably, the absence of goalkeeper Daniel Iversen due to a groin injury and defender Andrew Hughes with a hamstring issue could significantly impact the team’s defensive stability. Robbie Brady and Callum Lang, both sidelined with injuries, further limit Preston’s options in the midfield and attacking roles. Their return is expected in mid-February, meaning the team will have to adjust their tactics in the meantime.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Milutin Osmajic	Sent off	1	Unknown

Additionally, Milutin Osmajic’s suspension following a red card leaves Preston without one of their attacking options, which could force manager Paul Heckingbottom to rely on alternative strategies to maintain offensive pressure. With Brad Potts also out until mid-March due to a knee injury, the squad’s depth is truly being tested. The reliance will likely fall on younger players such as Alfie Devine and Daniel Jebbison to step up during this period.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Robbie Brady	Calf Injury	Mid February 2026
Callum Lang	Hamstring Injury	Mid February 2026
Daniel Iversen	Groin Injury	Mid February 2026
Andrew Hughes	Hamstring Injury	Mid February 2026
Brad Potts	Knee Injury	Mid March 2026

These absences could influence betting odds, with Preston potentially seen as underdogs due to their depleted squad. The tactical adjustments required might lead to a more conservative approach, making it crucial for the available players to perform at their best to secure a positive result.

Preston Key Players

Preston will rely heavily on their top scorer, Lewis Dobbin, who has netted 6 goals this season. Dobbin’s agility and sharp finishing make him a constant threat in the final third. His ability to exploit spaces behind the defence could be crucial against Portsmouth. Alongside him, the versatile forward Daniel Jebbison will look to stretch the opposition’s defence, creating opportunities for both himself and his teammates.

In midfield, Ben Whiteman is the anchor, dictating the tempo with his passing range and vision. Ali McCann adds dynamism to the midfield with his box-to-box energy, while Alfie Devine’s creativity could unlock defensive lines. Defensively, Jordan Storey and Lewis Gibson form a solid partnership, with Storey’s aerial dominance and Gibson’s composure on the ball being vital to Preston’s defensive stability.

Expected lineup for Preston:

• Goalkeeper: David Cornell
• Defence: Odel Offiah, Jordan Storey, Lewis Gibson
• Midfield: Pol Valentin, Ali McCann, Ben Whiteman, Alfie Devine, Thierry Small
• Forward: Jordan Thompson, Daniel Jebbison

Preston Tactics and Formation

Preston Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-6-1
• Key Forward: Daniel Jebbison
• Midfield Core: Ben Whiteman and Jordan Thompson
• Defensive Setup: Three-man defence with Liam Lindsay, Lewis Gibson, and Odel Offiah
• Recent Performance: Struggled offensively with only one goal in the last five matches.

Preston’s recent tactical approach has centred around a 3-6-1 formation, offering midfield dominance but limited attacking threat. With Daniel Jebbison leading the line, the team focuses on utilising the width provided by wing-backs Pol Valentin and Thierry Small to stretch opposition defences.

Defensively, the trio of Liam Lindsay, Lewis Gibson, and Odel Offiah form the backbone, aiming to maintain a compact structure. However, Preston’s recent defensive performances have been inconsistent, conceding ten goals in their last five games without achieving any clean sheets.

Offensively, Preston’s challenge lies in converting possession into goals, having scored only once in their last five outings. The midfield duo of Ben Whiteman and Jordan Thompson will need to drive creativity and support Jebbison to break down Portsmouth’s defence effectively.

Portsmouth Analysis & Past Performance

Portsmouth’s recent form has been a mix of resilience and inconsistency. They have secured two wins, drawn two matches, and suffered one loss in their last five games. Notably, their recent 3-0 victory over West Bromwich at Fratton Park showcased their attacking prowess, with Adrian Segecic emerging as a key player, having scored five goals this season.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Portsmouth	West Brom	3 – 0 (Win)	Championship	31 Jan 2026
Portsmouth	Southampton	1 – 1 (Draw)	Championship	25 Jan 2026
Watford	Portsmouth	1 – 1 (Draw)	Championship	21 Jan 2026
Sheffield Wednesday	Portsmouth	0 – 1 (Win)	Championship	17 Jan 2026
Portsmouth	Arsenal	1 – 4 (Loss)	FA Cup	11 Jan 2026

Recent Form:

• WDDWL

Portsmouth have averaged 1.40 goals scored per game over their last five outings, evidencing a moderate attacking output. However, they have conceded an average of 1.20 goals per match, indicating vulnerabilities in their defence. Despite keeping two clean sheets during this period, their away form remains a concern, with just one win from their last five away fixtures. Their current position in the league standings is 20th, with 33 points, highlighting the need for improved consistency to climb the table.

Portsmouth Suspensions & Injuries

Portsmouth face a challenging situation with several key players unavailable due to injuries. The absence of Thomas Waddingham, Josh Knight, and Conor Shaughnessy, all expected to return by mid-February, creates a significant tactical impact, particularly in the defensive and midfield areas. These players have been pivotal in maintaining structure and discipline on the field. Their unavailability could force coach John Mousinho to reassess his strategies, especially with crucial matches approaching.

The injuries to Florian Bianchini and Joshua Murphy further compound Portsmouth’s difficulties, as both players are essential to their attacking dynamics. Without them, the team may lack creativity and pace in the final third. The potential return of these players by mid-February offers some hope, but in their absence, replacements such as Adrian Segecic and Conor Chaplin will need to step up and fill the void.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Thomas Waddingham	Hip injury	Mid February 2026
Josh Knight	Back injury	Mid February 2026
Florian Bianchini	Knee injury	Mid February 2026
Joshua Murphy	Hamstring injury	Mid February 2026
Márk Kosznovszky	Cruciate ligament injury	Mid September 2026
Franco Umeh-Chibueze	Hamstring injury	Out for the season
Hayden Matthews	Ankle injury	Mid March 2026
Harvey Blair	Hip injury	Mid February 2026
Conor Shaughnessy	Hip injury	Mid February 2026

Portsmouth’s depth will be tested, and tactical adjustments are inevitable. John Mousinho may need to experiment with a more conservative formation or rely on younger talents from the bench to maintain competitiveness. The current injury list could also influence betting markets, as these absences might affect Portsmouth’s odds of securing a positive result against Preston.

Portsmouth Key Players

Adrian Segecic stands out as Portsmouth’s top scorer, having found the back of the net five times this season. His ability to exploit spaces and clinical finishing make him a constant threat in the final third. Segecic’s partnership with forwards Millenic Alli and Colby Bishop is pivotal, as they collectively form a dynamic attack that can unsettle Preston’s defence with their pace and creativity.

In midfield, Andre Dozzell and Ebou Adams are instrumental in controlling the game’s tempo. Dozzell’s vision and passing range, combined with Adams’ defensive tenacity, provide a balanced midfield that can disrupt opposition play while launching effective counterattacks. Defensively, Regan Poole and Connor Ogilvie form a solid partnership at the back, using their experience and physicality to thwart Preston’s advances.

Expected lineup for Portsmouth:

• Goalkeeper: Nicolas Schmid
• Defence: Terry Devlin, Regan Poole, Connor Ogilvie, Zak Swanson
• Midfield: Andre Dozzell, Ebou Adams, Conor Chaplin
• Forward: Adrian Segecic, Millenic Alli, Colby Bishop

Portsmouth Tactics and Formation

Portsmouth Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Predominantly 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Colby Bishop
• Midfield Engine: Andre Dozzell and Ebou Adams
• Defensive Alertness: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High pressing and exploiting width with wingers.

Portsmouth have been favouring a 4-2-3-1 formation under John Mousinho, which offers a balanced approach between attack and defence. The central midfield pairing of Andre Dozzell and Ebou Adams is pivotal, providing stability and enabling swift transitions. Adrian Segecic, their top scorer, operates in an advanced role, aiming to break defensive lines with incisive runs.

Defensively, Portsmouth’s backline, featuring Regan Poole and Connor Ogilvie, has shown resilience, contributing to two clean sheets in the last five matches. Zak Swanson and Terry Devlin provide width and defensive support, crucial in countering opposition wingers.

Offensively, Portsmouth’s strategy revolves around high pressing and utilising the flanks. Wingers Millenic Alli and Conor Chaplin are key to stretching defences, creating space for Colby Bishop, who leads the line with his physical presence and ability to hold up play.

Preston vs Portsmouth Head-to-Head Record

In their last 14 encounters, Preston have the upper hand with six wins compared to Portsmouth’s four, alongside four draws. The most recent meeting saw Portsmouth clinch a narrow 1-0 victory at home in the Championship. This suggests a closely contested rivalry, with neither side dominating the other.

The last time Preston hosted Portsmouth at Deepdale, they secured a 2-1 win back in March 2025, also in the Championship. This may give them a psychological edge playing at home again. Historically, matches between these two have been tight, often decided by a single-goal margin.

Home Team	Away Team	Score	Competition	Date
Portsmouth	Preston North End	1 – 0	Championship	2025-08-30
Preston North End	Portsmouth	2 – 1	Championship	2025-03-15
Portsmouth	Preston North End	3 – 1	Championship	2024-11-09
Preston North End	Portsmouth	1 – 1	League One	2013-03-29
Portsmouth	Preston North End	0 – 0	League One	2012-12-15