Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Championship match.
Portsmouth secured a victory in the last round, but it wasn’t enough to lift them out of the relegation zone. Meanwhile, Stoke City have been hovering around the 18th-19th positions for the past month.
Portsmouth
On 20 January, John Mousinho celebrated two years at the helm of Portsmouth. For the 38-year-old, the Hampshire club is his first managerial role, undertaken straight after his playing career ended. Despite his lack of experience, he achieved what seven managers before him could not—returning the club to the Championship. Currently, Portsmouth sit in 22nd place, which is quite acceptable. Since November, they have shown marked improvement, earning 17 points in their last 12 matches, compared to just nine in the previous 14. At Fratton Park, the situation is even more promising. Over the last six home fixtures, they have five wins, one draw, and 16 points, compared to just three draws and three losses in the first six. Portsmouth approach this crucial match as favourites.
Stoke City
Stoke City hold the season’s record for dismissals. Immediately after New Year’s, their third manager, Mark Robins, took charge. Previously, Robins was closely associated with Coventry City, where he managed for over seven years. Narcís Pèlach failed to improve the team’s fortune over three months after Steven Schumacher’s departure; he took over when they were 13th and left them in 19th after 18 rounds. In his first three matches with Stoke City, Mark Robins has managed to remain undefeated: winning against Sunderland in the FA Cup (2:1) and drawing with both bottom-side Plymouth Argyle (0:0) and solid West Bromwich Albion (1:1).
Portsmouth vs Stoke City Prediction
In the first leg, Stoke inflicted Portsmouth’s heaviest defeat of the season (6:1), but that was during a difficult start for Portsmouth. Now they are a different team, playing at home where they have become almost unbeatable. At best, the visitors might secure a draw, but not more.
