Troy Deeney names Portsmouth as team to watch in promotion prediction

Dan is a sports writer and broadcaster, who wrote for Breaking Media Limited's club sites including Pompey News between May 2024 and May 2025. Graduating from the University of Huddersfield in 2018 with First Class Honours in Sports Journalism, Dan has worked with several EFL clubs, as well as with BBC Radio, talkSPORT and TNT Sports. He previously resided in Sydney, Australia, where he continued his career as a freelancer in various sports. Dan was born and raised in Portsmouth, comes from a Pompey-supporting family, and was in attendance at both of the club's FA Cup finals in 2008 and 2010.

Published on:

07 Aug 2024, 9:00 am

Troy Deeney has named Portsmouth as a team to watch in his predictions regarding who will earn promotion from the Championship.

Speaking live on talkSPORT [6 August], the two-time promotion winner said he "likes the look" of John Mousinho's side, who have been recruiting during the ongoing window to bring in more Championship experience.

Deeney also notably told host Jim White he "objectively" sees his former club Watford struggling this season, and lauds their local rivals Luton Town.

"I do like the look of Portsmouth," the striker said.

"I like the look of Luton. There's a lot of other teams in transition. I think Watford will struggle when looking at it objectively."

Pundits back Portsmouth for good season

Deeney's comment on Portsmouth echoes what fellow EFL expert Don Goodman said when assessing the Blues for the season ahead [14 May].

Goodman explained that a necessary clear-out of the squad following promotion was required, and that the early signs of a recruitment policy for players with experience of the new level gives Pompey a fighting chance of a top-half finish.

The pundit continued to back his prediction last month when he declared that Mousinho's men would finish above fellow new boys Derby County and Oxford United this term [12 July].

Opta's supercomputer also ranks Portsmouth above their former League One rivals Derby and Oxford, with the Blues projected to slot in at 17th - a position most supporters would take as the club reestablishes itself in the second tier.

Portsmouth earned promotion as League One champions

June saw former Pompey hero David Norris predict that the club can even be a dark horse as surprise promotion contenders, citing what his other ex-side Ipswich Town achieved last season.

Of the eight signings currently brought into Fratton Park during the transfer window, six have previously played at least a full season in the Championship.

In other Portsmouth news, a statistical look at just how vital Josh Murphy is this season.

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