- Full Time
- 86'J. Knight on for M. Pack
- 86'L. Brooke-Smith on for A. Kamara
- 77'Marezi on for J. Murphy
- I. Olaofe on for F. Draper75'
- M. Melia on for B. House75'
- T. Hamer71'
- 69'E. Adams
- T. Bayliss68'
- R. Street on for D. Jefferies66'
- T. Bayliss on for I. Varfolomeev66'
- 58'E. Adams on for R. Shein
- 58'J. Murphy on for R. Kavuma-McQueen
- A. Coubiș on for T. Darikwa55'
- 55'R. Shein
- Half Time
- F. Draper34'
- R. Hackett (P)32'
- 16'A. Segečić
- 7'R. Kavuma-McQueen
- Kick Off
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1
Reeco Hackett1 - 2
Adrian Segecic1 - 3Ryan Kavuma-McQueen1
- 1Reeco Hackett4
- 2Adrian Segecic4
- 3Ben House3
- 1Conor McGrandles3
- 2Ben House2
- 3Terry Devlin2
- 1Abu Kamara1
- 1Abu Kamara4
- 2Reeco Hackett3
- 3Adrian Segecic2
- 1Terry Devlin34
- 2Zak Swanson33
- 3Conor Shaughnessy32
- 1Adrian Segecic3
- 2Josh Murphy2
- 3Ryan Kavuma-McQueen1
- 1Adam Reach2
- 2Zak Swanson2
- 3Deji Elerewe1
Lincoln City vs Portsmouth is a Saturday lunchtime kick-off at Sincil Bank, with the newly promoted hosts fancied against a Portsmouth side that struggled last season.
The Imps arrive as League One champions and full of confidence, while Portsmouth are looking to bounce back from a difficult campaign. Anthony Eadson has the best bets, our score prediction and the head-to-head record below. The game kicks off at 12.30pm BST on Saturday, August 22nd.
Premium Tips
Anthony Eadson leans towards the promoted hosts and goals, with Lincoln’s momentum set against a Portsmouth side that leaked plenty last term.
| Premium Tip | Odds | Why we’re backing it |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln City to win | 6/4 (with bet365) | Lincoln City impressed despite losing 2-1 at Middlesbrough on the opening weekend, while Portsmouth suffered a heavy 3-1 defeat to QPR. The visitors also head to Sincil Bank with a growing injury list, leaving John Mousinho short of options. With Lincoln showing plenty of promise on their Championship return, back the Imps to claim their first league win. |
| Adam Reach Over 0.5 shots on target | 13/5 (Virgin Bet) | Adam Reach scored the opening goal of the game for Lincoln last weekend, but it’s the shots on target market that we like his odds this week. Betfred have him priced at just 5/4 to record a shot on target |
18+ only. Please gamble responsibly. GambleAware — gambleaware.org · Odds correct at time of publishing.
How Lincoln City go into the game
Lincoln City are back in the Championship after a dominant League One title win, romping to promotion on 103 points with the meanest defence in the division. Confidence and momentum are firmly with them.
The step up is significant, but Sincil Bank will be bouncing for the opener and Lincoln have earned the right to believe. Carrying their attacking verve to a higher level is the challenge.
How Portsmouth go into the game
Portsmouth endured a tough 2025-26, finishing 18th on 55 points as a leaky defence undermined their progress. Tightening up is the priority if they are to climb the table.
Colby Bishop leads the line and gives them a reliable source of goals. Pompey are unbeaten in recent meetings with Lincoln, though those all came a division below.
Lincoln City vs Portsmouth head-to-head
| Date | Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27/04/24 | Lincoln City | 0-2 | Portsmouth |
| 23/09/23 | Portsmouth | 2-1 | Lincoln City |
| 18/02/23 | Lincoln City | 0-0 | Portsmouth |
| 06/08/22 | Portsmouth | 0-0 | Lincoln City |
| 15/04/22 | Portsmouth | 3-2 | Lincoln City |
The sides met regularly in League One, with Portsmouth unbeaten in the last five, winning three and drawing two. This is their first meeting at Championship level, however.
Lincoln City vs Portsmouth predictions & betting tips
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln City to win | 13/10 | ⭐⭐⭐ | Promoted champions with home advantage. |
| Both teams to score | 8/11 | ⭐⭐⭐ | Portsmouth carry a threat but leak goals. |
| Colby Bishop anytime scorer | 2/1 | ⭐⭐ | Portsmouth’s main goal threat. |
| Over 2.5 goals | 1/1 | ⭐⭐ | An open, attacking contest expected. |
| Lincoln City to win 2-1 | 17/2 | ⭐⭐ | Our headline scoreline for a home win. |
Lincoln City vs Portsmouth score prediction
Portsmouth have Lincoln’s number from their League One days, but this is a different level and the Imps are flying after their title win. Home advantage and momentum should carry Lincoln to a positive start, even if Pompey find the net. Score prediction: Lincoln City 2-1 Portsmouth.