Portsmouth could do something not seen in 29 years when Watford visit Fratton Park
Portsmouth host Watford at Fratton Park on Wednesday in what could prove to be a season-defining game, even at this early stage of the season.
Both teams are sitting nervously on eight points, just three points clear of the relegation zone. A win for either team will give them breathing space going into a tricky run of fixtures in October. A defeat could set the tone for a relegation battle.
Portsmouth are the favourites to take all three points against Watford, but they’re missing several key players through injury.
Watford will likely have to do without their striker Kwadwo Baah, who picked up a shoulder injury in their last game.
Portsmouth have the chance to score back-to-back wins over Watford for first time since 1996
Portsmouth beat Watford 1-0 at Fratton Park back in April thanks to a goal from Colby Bishop. They were deserved winners on that day, and the result ensured they would be safe from relegation in their first season back in the Championship.
John Mousinho’s side can take confidence from that result. It means they have the chance to score back-to-back wins over Watford for the first time since 1996.
They’ve only played 17 times since then, but Pompey have never managed to record two victories over the Hornets on the bounce.
What is Portsmouth’s record against Watford?
Portsmouth have played 53 games against Watford, winning 22, losing 19 and drawing 12 times.
They have a particularly good home record against the Hornets though. They’ve come out winners in the last five meetings at Fratton Park, a run stretching back to 2002.
- Portsmouth 1 Watford 0, April 2025
- Portsmouth 2 Watford 0, January 2012
- Portsmouth 3 Watford 2, October 2010
- Portsmouth 2 Watford 1, November 2006
- Portsmouth 3 Watford 0, August 2002
Indeed, their lack of back-to-back wins comes mostly due to their poor form when travelling to Watford. This is a game where the home team wins more often than not.
Watford appointed Paulo Pezzolano as their new manager at the start of this season, and they’ve hardly set the league on fire under the Uruguayan so far.
This could therefore be a nervy affair with both teams desperate to pick the points to create a healthy gap from the relegation zone.
Although the history suggests that Portsmouth should win this game, it’ll be up to John Mousinho’s men to do the business once the whistle blows.
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