Sheffield Wednesday vs Portsmouth predictions: Pompey to boost survival hopes
Nick Pulford
Sheffield Wednesday are marooned on -7 points, 32 points behind their opponents
Portsmouth sit just one point above the drop zone in 21st place
Recommended bet: Portsmouth to win
Sheffield Wednesday have been in a hopeless position all season, having been deducted a total of 18 points for going into administration and for regulation breaches.
Their depleted squad has shown admirable spirit in many games, however. High-flying Preston had to battle all the way for a 3-2 win at Hillsborough in late November and promotion chasers Hull were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw there on Boxing Day.
Unlike the hosts, Portsmouth still have hopes of staying in the Championship, although their position remains perilous.
Their away form is a major concern but this match offers a big opportunity to secure a much-needed win on the road.
The latest Sheffield Wednesday vs Portsmouth odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Team news
Both squads are in the midst of an injury crisis, although Wednesday undoubtedly have the most serious issues with as many as 13 players unavailable.
Goalkeeper Pierce Charles went off in last weekend’s 2-0 home defeat against Brentford in the FA Cup, further weakening a back line that has lost the experience of Dominic Iorfa, Max Lowe and Liam Cooper.
Portsmouth’s injury list swelled to nine players after Harvey Blair and Franco Umeh were forced off in last weekend’s 4-1 home defeat against Arsenal in the FA Cup.
Callum Lang and Josh Murphy are among those who remain on the sidelines.
The latest Sheffield Wednesday vs Portsmouth odds are available on LiveScore Bet
The stats
Wednesday’s only win was back on September 20 - a 2-0 success away to Portsmouth.
The hosts have lost nine out of 13 at Hillsborough.
The Owls have not scored in their last four games in all competitions.
Portsmouth rank bottom on away form in the Championship.
Their only away win was on the opening day at Oxford.
Pompey have scored just seven goals in 11 away games.
Prediction
These two basement dwellers have little in the way of convincing form lines given their struggles all season.
Wednesday are the worst home team in the Championship with no wins and nine defeats from their 13 games at Hillsborough.
In virtually a mirror image, Portsmouth are the worst away side with one win and six defeats in their 11 trips.
Wednesday have scored only seven goals at home (the lowest in the division) and Portsmouth have the same number on the road (also a divisional low), albeit in two fewer games.
It does not say much for Portsmouth that they are the only team to lose to Wednesday this season, surrendering 2-0 at home in September, and it would be embarrassing again if the Owls completed the double over them here.
That outcome is far from ruled out but it is difficult to get away from a Portsmouth win given the severity of Wednesday’s injury crisis and the hosts’ failure to score in their last four games.
Back Portsmouth to win at 21/20 with LiveScore Bet
The latest Sheffield Wednesday vs Portsmouth odds are available on LiveScore Bet
