Credit: Imago

Edward Bazeley

Wed 16 April 2025 14:30, UK

Portsmouth travel to Norwich City on Friday as they continue their efforts to retain their Championship status.

John Mousinho’s men have just four games left to play in the second tier, and sit four points clear of the relegation zone.

The Fratton Park club looked set for a defeat at the hands of relegation rivals Derby on Saturday before Rob Atkinson bagged a last-gasp equaliser to salvage a 2-2 draw.

Pompey have not won since their 1-0 win over Blackburn on 29 March, and must get back on form to avoid an unwanted return to League One.

Portsmouth set for defeat at Norwich

The Fratton Park faithful would love to see their side emerge victorious at Carrow Road and claim their first away win since their 2-0 triumph at Oxford on 15 February.

However, Opta’s Supercomputer has predicted that Portsmouth have just a 24.3 per cent chance of beating Norwich on 18 April.

That leaves Johannes Hoff Thorup’s side with a 50.8 per cent chance of winning against Pompey, while the probability of a draw stands at 25 per cent.

Portsmouth should be able to beat Norwich

Norwich have seen their playoff chances all but disappear, and sit 13th in the Championship table, 10 points adrift of the top six with just four games remaining.

However, the Canaries boast quality players at their disposal, such as Borja Sainz, who is currently the top scorer in the second tier this term with 17 goals to his name.

Perhaps it is not surprising, then, that Opta’s supercomputer has tipped Hoff Thorup’s side to get the better of a Pompey side who are still vying to retain their Championship status.

But as they strive to avoid relegation, Pompey have significantly more to play for than Norwich, who no longer boast playoff credentials.

Portsmouth’s desire to avoid the drop to League One should be enough to see them over the line against the Canaries, while talisman Josh Murphy could be particularly keen to produce the goods against his former club at Carrow Road.