Portsmouth’s final 2025-26 Championship position predicted already
Portsmouth are preparing for their second season in the Championship after beating the odds to avoid relegation this term.
John Mousinho’s side were among the bookies favourites to go straight back down after being promoted to the second tier, but a strong finish to the season saw them pull comfortably away from the bottom three.
Now, with Portsmouth among the 24 Championship clubs confirmed for next season, the bookmakers have revealed how they expect Pompey to perform.
Damning verdict delivered for Portsmouth in 2025-26
The betting firms believe it will be as season of struggle once again for Pompey, according to Oddschecker (28 May).
The website, which allows users to compare betting odds at 25+ UK bookmakers, has Portsmouth as the 22nd most likely team to lift the Championship title next season.
Pompey are 80/1 outsiders to win the 2025-26 Championship. Only Oxford United and Charlton Athletic have longer odds to top the league, suggesting most bookmakers think the Blues will be in or around the bottom three next year.
Ipswich are the bookies’ favourites to win the league, with odds of 9/2. Southampton are second-favourites at 13/2, while Sheffield United, Birmingham, Middlesbrough and Coventry complete the top-six strongest sides, according to the bookmakers at least.
Productive transfer window will be crucial to Portsmouth success
It’s no surprise that the bookmakers have tipped Pompey to be among the three weakest teams in the Championship next year.
The Fratton Park side were locked in a relegation battle for most of this season, and Portsmouth will be working with one of the smallest budgets in the league again next year.
| Portsmouth since hiring John Mousinho | |
| 2022-23 | 8th in League One |
| 2023-24 | 1st in League One |
| 2024-25 | 16th in Championship |
It will arguably be a stronger league next season. Two of the three promoted sides – Birmingham and Wrexham – are backed by super-wealthy owners, and have been tipped to adapt well in the second tier.
The bookmakers’ odds may have been swayed by rumours surrounding John Mousinho’s future, and it will surely be more difficult for Portsmouth to survive if their young manager is tempted away.
For now at least, Mousinho has stated that he’s happy at Fratton Park and wants to build on last season’s 16th-place finish.
That will involve some astute business from Portsmouth in this summer’s transfer window, as well as ensuring that Pompey keep hold of their star players.