Sheffield Wednesday vs. Portsmouth Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 26 April 2025 - bettingexpert
Sheffield Wednesday will host Portsmouth at Hillsborough on 26 April 2025 at 15:00 in a crucial Championship clash. Both teams are vying for a strong finish in the league, with Sheffield Wednesday currently sitting in 13th place with 56 points, and Portsmouth in 16th with 52 points.
Recent form suggests an intriguing contest. Sheffield Wednesday have been inconsistent, marked by their LDLLW run, while Portsmouth have shown resilience with a LLDWW form, including an impressive 5-3 win over Norwich.
Given Sheffield Wednesday’s struggles defensively, conceding an average of 1.6 goals per game this season, Portsmouth’s attacking style could pose a significant threat. Despite injuries, Portsmouth’s recent uptick in form makes them a solid bet to win or draw.
Key players to watch include Josh Windass for Wednesday, with 12 goals this season, and Portsmouth’s Colby Bishop, with 11 goals, though he might be doubtful due to a muscle cramp.
Overall, expect an intense match with a recommendation to bet on Portsmouth to win or draw.
Sheffield Wednesday vs Portsmouth Prediction & Betting Tip
Recommending you back Portsmouth to win or draw.
Portsmouth are on a good run, particularly with an away win over Norwich (5-3) and a victory against Watford. Meanwhile, Sheffield Wednesday have lost their defensive solidity, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last five games, and conceding goals too easily.
| Sheffield Wednesday vs Portsmouth Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Portsmouth to win or draw | 3.54 |
- Portsmouth have not lost in their last three matches, demonstrating resilience.
- Sheffield Wednesday have struggled defensively, conceding an average of 1.6 goals per game.
- Portsmouth’s attacking prowess, with a scoring rate of 1.80 goals in their last five games, gives them an edge.
Overall, the odds favor this tip, providing a favorable risk-to-reward ratio for bettors.
Sheffield Wednesday vs Portsmouth Odds
Here’s a look at the betting odds for Sheffield Wednesday vs Portsmouth:
| Sheffield Wednesday vs Portsmouth Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Sheffield Wednesday | 2.04 |
| Draw | 3.54 |
| Portsmouth | 3.35 |
With Sheffield Wednesday being the bookmakers’ favourite, you might expect them to take the game. However, Portsmouth’s recent form and stronger attack indicate that betting on them to win or draw could be a smart move. Sheffield Wednesday’s defensive struggles add weight to this bet, making Portsmouth’s odds appealing for a potentially rewarding outcome.
Sheffield Wednesday Team Analysis
Sheffield Wednesday Recent Performance
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sheffield Wednesday | Middlesbrough | 2025-04-21 | Championship | 2-1 (Win) |
| Stoke | Sheffield Wednesday | 2025-04-18 | Championship | 2-0 (Loss) |
| Sheffield Wednesday | Oxford | 2025-04-12 | Championship | 0-1 (Loss) |
| Blackburn | Sheffield Wednesday | 2025-04-08 | Championship | 2-2 (Draw) |
| Sheffield Wednesday | Hull | 2025-04-05 | Championship | 0-1 (Loss) |
Recent Form: LDLLW
Sheffield Wednesday’s form has been rough lately. They have only won once in their last five matches. Their offensive struggles are evident, with an average of just 0.80 goals scored per game in this period.
Defensively, they haven’t kept any clean sheets in their last five outings, conceding an average of 1.6 goals per match. This recent instability at the back could be problematic as they face Portsmouth’s strong attack.
Sheffield Wednesday Key Players
When it comes to Sheffield Wednesday, Josh Windass stands out as the team’s top scorer with 12 goals this season. His attacking prowess will be crucial, particularly as the Owls have struggled for goals recently. Expect Windass to be a focal point in their offensive efforts.
Barry Bannan, the experienced midfielder, will also be key with his vision and leadership on the pitch. As the team’s defensive midfield linchpin, his battle against Portsmouth’s strong midfield lineup could define the flow of the match.
Here’s the expected lineup for Sheffield Wednesday:
- Goalkeeper: Pierce Charles
- Defenders: Yan Valery, Michael Ihiekwe, Shea Charles, Marvin Johnson
- Midfielders: Svante Ingelsson, Barry Bannan, Josh Windass, Callum Paterson, Djeidi Gassama
- Attacker: Michael Smith
Key individual battles to watch include Windass against Portsmouth’s sturdy defense, and Bannan controlling the midfield against the likes of Rob Atkinson.
Sheffield Wednesday Suspensions & Injuries
Sheffield Wednesday will be dealing with a few injuries that could potentially impact their performance:
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Di’Shon Bernard | Knee injury | Early May 2025 |
| Max Lowe | Knee injury | Late May 2025 |
| Gabriel Otegbayo | Muscle cramps | Doubtful |
These injuries, particularly in defence, could challenge Sheffield Wednesday’s stability at the back. The absence of Di’Shon Bernard and Max Lowe, both crucial defensive players, might force coach Danny Röhl to make some strategic adjustments. Gabriel Otegbayo’s doubtful status adds another layer of complexity to their defensive setup.
Sheffield Wednesday Tactics and Formation
Sheffield Wednesday Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Callum Paterson
- Attacking Trio: Josh Windass, Djeidi Gassama, Michael Smith
- Defensive Setup: Yan Valery, Michael Ihekwe, Shea Charles, Marvin Johnson
- Midfield Stability: Barry Bannan and Svante Ingelsson sitting deep
Sheffield Wednesday, under Danny Röhl, prefers a balanced 4-2-3-1 formation that provides both defensive stability and offensive flexibility. Barry Bannan and Svante Ingelsson anchor the midfield, offering crucial support to the backline while also linking up with the attacking trio of Windass, Gassama, and Smith.
In defense, they have struggled to keep clean sheets, indicating potential vulnerabilities, especially with key injuries. The presence of Callum Paterson as the central striker aims to leverage his physical presence and work rate upfront. The wide players are expected to stretch the opposition’s defense and create space for Paterson.
Despite a mixed bag of recent results (LDLLW), the tactical approach focuses on organized defense transitioning swiftly into attack. Sheffield Wednesday’s strategy will be to control the midfield and exploit any gaps in Portsmouth’s defense.
Portsmouth Team Analysis
Portsmouth Recent Performance LLDWW
Portsmouth have shown a mixed bag of results recently but seem to be hitting form right when it matters. Their last five matches include two wins, two losses, and a draw.
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Millwall | Portsmouth | 2025-04-05 | Championship | 2-1 (Loss) |
| Coventry | Portsmouth | 2025-04-09 | Championship | 1-0 (Loss) |
| Portsmouth | Derby | 2025-04-12 | Championship | 2-2 (Draw) |
| Norwich | Portsmouth | 2025-04-18 | Championship | 3-5 (Win) |
| Portsmouth | Watford | 2025-04-21 | Championship | 1-0 (Win) |
Recent Form: LLDWW
Portsmouth have managed to score quite prolifically, averaging 1.8 goals per game in their last five matches, and they’ve kept one clean sheet. Their attacking prowess could prove pivotal as they haven’t been shy in front of goal, netting in 73% of their matches this season. This recent uptick in form could make them a challenging opponent for Sheffield Wednesday.
Portsmouth Key Players
Portsmouth’s recent form has been bolstered by several key players.
Expected lineup for Portsmouth:
- Goalkeeper: Nicolas Schmid
- Defenders: Terry Devlin, Regan Poole, Isaac Hayden, Connor Ogilvie
- Midfielders: Freddie Potts, Rob Atkinson, Matt Ritchie, Callum Lang, Adil Aouchiche
- Attackers: Kusini Yengi
Colby Bishop, Portsmouth’s top scorer with 11 goals, will be crucial, though he is doubtful due to muscle cramps.
Look out for Matt Ritchie and Adil Aouchiche in the midfield, providing creativity and drive.
A key individual battle will be Portsmouth’s attackers against Sheffield Wednesday’s defence, which has struggled recently.
Portsmouth Suspensions & Injuries
Portsmouth are dealing with a host of injuries ahead of their match against Sheffield Wednesday.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Ibane Bowat | Tendon injury | Out for the season |
| Jacob Farrell | Knee surgery | Early May 2025 |
| Paddy Lane | Knee injury | Early May 2025 |
| Hayden Matthews | Ankle injury | Out for the season |
| Thomas Waddingham | Muscle injury | Early May 2025 |
| Alexander Milosevic | Calf injury | Mid May 2025 |
| Joshua Murphy | Knock injury | Doubtful |
| Colby Bishop | Muscle cramps | Doubtful |
| Jordan Williams | Hamstring injury | Late May 2025 |
The absence of key players like Colby Bishop and Joshua Murphy could significantly impact Portsmouth’s attacking prowess. With Colby Bishop being their top scorer, his potential absence is a major blow. The defensive line might also be weakened without Jordan Williams and Hayden Matthews.
Portsmouth Tactics and Formation
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Kusini Yengi
- Midfield Trio: Matt Ritchie, Callum Lang, Adil Aouchiche
- Defensive Setup: The back four consists of Terry Devlin, Regan Poole, Isaac Hayden, and Connor Ogilvie.
- Notable Strategy: Portsmouth’s recent offensive style has been effective, resulting in their scoring 10 goals in the last three matches.
Portsmouth’s resilience in the final stretch of the season is displayed through their dynamic attacking play, and with Colby Bishop potentially out, Kusini Yengi will be their primary goal-scoring threat.
Expect Portsmouth to leverage quick transitions and exploit any gaps in Sheffield Wednesday’s backline to maintain their positive momentum.
Sheffield Wednesday vs Portsmouth Head-to-Head Statistics
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portsmouth | Sheffield Wednesday | 2024-10-25 | Championship | 1-2 (Loss) |
| Portsmouth | Sheffield Wednesday | 2023-03-11 | League One | 0-1 (Loss) |
| Sheffield Wednesday | Portsmouth | 2022-07-30 | League One | 3-3 (Draw) |
| Sheffield Wednesday | Portsmouth | 2022-04-30 | League One | 4-1 (Win) |
| Portsmouth | Sheffield Wednesday | 2021-12-07 | League One | 0-0 (Draw) |
Looking at their last five meetings, Sheffield Wednesday has had the upper hand with three wins, one draw, and only one loss against Portsmouth.
Despite the historical advantage for Sheffield Wednesday, Portsmouth will be aiming to change the narrative, especially riding high on their recent form.
Odds accurate as of 24/04/2025 15:01, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
