Southampton v Portsmouth taken to whole new level after EFL announcement
Portsmouth begin their new Championship season in just over a week, and there are plenty of reasons for fans to be excited.
John Mousinho has spent well in the transfer window, having recruited four new signings to strengthen his squad, while retaining all of his top stars. The Blues also have a host of players back from long-term injury layoffs.
Yet, a lot of fans are particularly thrilled about the opportunity to lock horns with Southampton in the league for the first time since 2012.
Southampton were relegated from the Premier League, having finished bottom with 12 points last season, while Pompey secured Championship safety with two games to spare.
Southampton vs Portsmouth to be broadcast on ITV
Southampton vs Portsmouth had already been moved to a 12:00pm kickoff on Sunday, 14 September, so it could be shown on television.
Now, the EFL have announced that the game will be broadcast on ITV as well as Sky Sports.
It is one of five Championship games chosen by ITV to broadcast in the first half of the season.
https://x.com/EFL/status/1950833088126472353South Coast Derby to be seen by millions more after EFL announcement
It’s often debated which are the fiercest local derbies in English football.
Those with limited knowledge choose the most well-known Premier League rivalries, such as the North London derby or the Tyne-Wear derby.
The South Coast derby barely gets a mention. Those who have ever been to a match will think that’s unjust. The vigorous hatred between these two clubs is uncomfortably evident during these games.
| Date | |
| 14 September 2025 | Southampton vs Portsmouth |
| 25 January 2026 | Portsmouth vs Southampton |
In fairness, younger fans won’t have had an opportunity to witness a fixture between Portsmouth and Southampton.
The Saints were promoted in the 2011-12 season, the last time they were in the same league as Pompey.
Portsmouth’s descent into the lower divisions meant they haven’t had an opportunity to play a league game against their local rivals since then.
They’ve risen from the ashes now, and the Fratton faithful will be desperate to get a result at St. Mary’s in September.
Millions more people will witness the intensity of the South Coast derby now it’s being broadcast on terrestrial television.
So, it wouldn’t be surprising to hear this fixture mentioned among England’s most bitter rivalries in the future.
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