Portsmouth vs Southampton predictions, preview & possible line ups
Portsmouth host Southampton on Tuesday night in what should be a feisty Carabao Cup third tie.
This is the first time the south coast rivals have met in any competition since 2012 and to say that tension has been mounting during that time would be an understatement.
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Southampton will come into the match with dented pride after losing 3-1 to their other south coast nemesis Bournemouth at the weekend but face a Portsmouth side on a run of just three wins in eight games across all competitions and just one from their opening seven League One matches.
Read on for Portsmouth vs Southampton predictions, preview, team news and TV coverage information.
When is Portsmouth vs Southampton and where can I watch live?
Competition: Carabao Cup
Venue: Fratton Park
Date: Tuesday, 24 September 2019
Kick-off: 7:45 PM BST
TV coverage (UK): Sky Sports Football
Last five meetings: Portsmouth vs Southampton
07 Apr 2012: Southampton 2-2 Portsmouth (Championship)
18 Dec 2011: Portsmouth 1-1 Southampton (Championship)
13 Feb 2010: Southampton 1-4 Portsmouth (FA Cup)
24 Apr 2005: Portsmouth 4-1 Southampton (Premier League)
29 Jan 2005: Southampton 2-1 Portsmouth (FA Cup)
Aggregate Score: Portsmouth (DDWWL) 12-7 Southampton (DDLLW)
Ones to watch
Portsmouth: Christian Burgess
Given the disparity in quality between the two sides, Portsmouth are going to need every one of their generals on top form.
Christian Burgess will be absolutely vital for Kenny Jackett’s side and will be tasked with keeping Ralph Hasenhuttl’s attack at bay with his tough tackling and aerial authority.
Key stat: Christian Burgess has won more aerial duels (29) than any other Portsmouth player in League One this season, while no team-mate has made more interceptions (11).
Southampton: Che Adams
Whether he rotates or not, Hasenhuttl may feel the need to keep Che Adams in the side. The former Birmingham man has struck up some decent partnerships with his Southampton team-mates and looks a genuine threat but despite having an xG of 2.52 and 12 shots on goal to his name so far, he’s failed to get his name on the scoresheet for his new club.
Tuesday’s game could be a great chance for Adams to get among the goals, boost his confidence and add another weapon to Southampton’s Arsenal.
Key stat: Che Adams has had more shots (12) than any Southampton player in the Premier League this season.
Team news
Portsmouth
Oli Hawkins could feature after making his first start of the season against Wycombe at the weekend, although Ellis Harrison was sent off in that game and is, therefore, suspended.
James Bolton has shaken off a knock and is in contention, although Lee Brown (Achilles), Jack Whatmough (knee), Marcus Harness (thigh) and Bryn Morris (groin) are all still in recovery.
Jackett may be tempted to field a full-strength XI given that side have just one league win so far this season. A victory over their biggest rivals – not to mention a “cupset” against a Premier League team – could be a great platform from which to kick-start their season.
Predicted XI: MacGillivray; Bolton, Hawkins, Burgess, Haunstrup; Close, Naylor; Cannon Harness, Curtis; Marquis.
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Southampton
Moussa Djenepo remains unavailable as he continues to recover from a muscle injury but other than that, Hasenhuttl has a full-strength squad to choose from.
The Austrian has vowed to name a strong side for this derby clash so expect plenty of big names in his line-up.
Predicted XI: Gunn; Danso, Stephens, Yoshida, Bertrand; Ward-Prowse, Armstrong, Romeu, Redmond; Long, Adams.
Squawka prediction
Under normal circumstances, you’d have to back the Premier League team.
However, in a long-awaited derby clash in front of what will be an undoubtedly raucous Fratton Park crowd, you just cannot be too sure.
Southampton’s top-flight quality should see them over the line but expect a fierce battle from Portsmouth, who won’t make it easy for their rivals.
Scoreline prediction: Portsmouth 1-3 Southampton