Credit: Imago

Joe Elvin

Sat 4 October 2025 9:42, UK

Portsmouth face Middlesbrough at Fratton Park on Saturday, hoping to get their league form back on track after four games without a win.

John Mousinho’s men might have their work cut out against Middlesbrough, who are currently unbeaten in the league and top the Championship table.

Middlesbrough go into the game as strong favourites, although Portsmouth tend to up their game at Fratton Park when they’re underdogs.

And it seems that the weather conditions may serve as a wildcard during this fixture.

Met Office issues yellow warning due to strong winds in Portsmouth

This was always going to be a frantic fixture, with Portsmouth likely being instructed to increase the intensity of their play to try and throw Middlesbrough off their stride.

That could be even more distracting given that the Met Office has issued a Yellow weather warning due to strong winds in Portsmouth.

The latest forecasts suggests that wind speeds could reach high speeds of 23 miles per hour during the game.

The Yellow warning suggests that public transport could be affected for fans travelling to the game.

Although there was plenty of rain in Portsmouth on Saturday morning, the Met Office has suggested that it will dry up in time for kickoff, so there is currently no suggestion that the game is danger of being postponed, unless there is a real deterioration in the conditions.

• Read more: Portsmouth vs Middlesbrough: Four times Pompey pulled off statement wins against Teessiders

Bad weather conditions could suit Portsmouth vs Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough have worn down their opponents with an exciting brand of passing football under Rob Edwards this season, so poor weather conditions could suit Portsmouth in this game.

Strong winds and heavy rain make it hard to play any brand of tiki-taka football. It lends itself to more direct football, with defenders more likely to make uncharacteristic errors.

This could suit Portsmouth if they’re able to use the conditions to their advantage. Of course, it could also be their undoing.

The likes of Regan Poole and Josh Knight will need to think twice as balls fizz toward them at pace.

Portsmouth must try to move the ball quickly when they have it in order to pressure a Middlesbrough defence that has more clean sheets than any other Championship team.

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