Match Preview

The pressure rises at the bottom end of the Sky Bet Championship as Portsmouth welcome Blackburn Rovers to Fratton Park on Saturday 13 December 2025. With both sides positioned in the lower places, this is a true “six-pointer”  the kind of match that can shift confidence, momentum, and the table in one afternoon.

Portsmouth go into Round 21 sitting 22nd, meaning they are currently in the relegation zone. At home, Pompey will lean heavily on Fratton Park’s atmosphere, aiming to turn urgency into intensity and turn intensity into points  especially against a direct rival.

Blackburn Rovers arrive in 20th, only a short distance above Portsmouth, and will see this as a chance to extend the gap between themselves and the bottom three. Rovers have the experience of managing tough spells in this division, but away games like this are rarely comfortable when the stakes are so clear for both teams.

With both teams needing points more than style, expect a competitive Championship battle shaped by second balls, set-pieces, and who stays calmer in the decisive moments.

TV Broadcast and Livestreams

Coverage depends on broadcaster selection and your country. Supporters should check local listings and official club/EFL channels for confirmed TV and streaming information.

Match Information

Championship Table Context (Before Kick-off)

This fixture sits right in the heart of the relegation battle:

When the table is this tight, the psychological value of a win can be as big as the points themselves. A Portsmouth victory pulls them closer to safety, while a Blackburn win increases pressure on Pompey and boosts Rovers’ chances of pulling clear.

Form Guide & Storylines

Head-to-Head

Recent meetings between Portsmouth and Blackburn have often been tight, physical, and decided by key moments rather than long spells of dominance. The last Championship meeting at Fratton Park ended with a narrow result, showing how little separates these two sides on the day.

Selected Recent Meeting

That kind of narrow scoreline is typical of relegation battles — and it suggests another match where the first goal could shape everything.

Tactical Outlook

Portsmouth: energy, direct moments and set-piece focus

• Fast start: pressing in waves to feed off the crowd and force mistakes.
• Direct play: getting the ball forward quickly and fighting for second balls.
• Set-pieces: corners and wide free-kicks are often the biggest weapon in tight matches.
• Transition discipline: avoid being caught with too many bodies ahead of the ball.

Blackburn: composure and punishing over-commitment

• Weather the storm: staying compact during Portsmouth’s early pressure.
• Smart counters: attacking space when Portsmouth commit full-backs forward.
• Midfield control: slowing the game down when needed to reduce momentum swings.
• Defensive concentration: set-piece marking and first-contact defending are vital at Fratton Park.

This match could hinge on the “middle third” battle: Portsmouth trying to turn it into chaos and duels, Blackburn trying to restore control and pick the right moments to break.

Key Players to Watch

• Portsmouth – forward outlet: the striker who can hold the ball up and bring runners into play will be crucial if Pompey go direct.
• Portsmouth – set-piece delivery: quality into the box can decide a match with limited open-play chances.
• Blackburn – creative link: the player who can find space between Portsmouth’s midfield and defence may unlock the best chances.
• Blackburn – defensive leaders: organisation and aerial strength are essential under pressure at Fratton Park.

Match Outlook and Prediction

Predicted Final Score: Portsmouth 1–1 Blackburn Rovers

This has all the ingredients of a tense, scrappy relegation six-pointer. Portsmouth should bring energy and urgency at home, while Blackburn have enough structure to keep the match close and frustrate the crowd.

A draw feels realistic given how tight these matchups can be, especially if neither side scores early. Prediction: Portsmouth 1–1 Blackburn Rovers.