Worrying stat for Portsmouth emerges ahead of Middlesbrough clash
Portsmouth welcome Middlesbrough to Fratton Park on Saturday as they look for their second home win of the season.
John Mousinho’s side are without a win since 30 August, and are sitting just outside the relegation spots in the table.
Portsmouth drew 2-2 with Watford on Wednesday, and are back at home to face the Championship table toppers, Middlesbrough.
Pompey will be the underdogs against Middlesbrough, with Rob Edwards’ side still unbeaten to start the season.
Portsmouth will struggle vs Middlesbrough defence
Mousinho has some decisions to make ahead of the Middlesbrough game in regards to team selection, if he wants to cause the upset.
Middlesbrough are top of the Championship table for a reason, and their stingy defence is one of the main ones.
Boro currently lead the league in clean sheets, with four kept so far by goalkeeper Solomon Brynn.
Edwards’ outfit has also only conceded five goals in eight games, a league best, alongside Stoke City.
This should concern Pompey fans, particularly given their own lack of production in front of goal this season.
Portsmouth have been poor in attack this season
Portsmouth have struggled to put the ball in the back of the net this season, only netting seven times in the opening eight games.
Colby Bishop’s lack of form has been well-documented, but he can’t be expected to be the only one to chip in.
Josh Murphy’s injury has affected things massively, and big players like John Swift and Conor Chaplin haven’t stepped up yet.
| Attacking stats 2025-2026 | Portsmouth |
| Goals per match | 0.9 |
| Big chances missed | 11 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 10.2 |
Portsmouth will be seriously up against it on Saturday, facing this vaunted Middlesbrough defence.
Murphy may come back into the lineup, which will help, and Adrian Segecic should be in from the start.
Portsmouth need a positive result on Saturday in front of their home fans, who are waiting for them to turn things around.
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