Burnley vs Portsmouth Prediction

Burnley host Portsmouth on 31 October 2026 at 18:00 in the Championship's 13th round. Burnley sit 22nd with eight points from 12 matches, while Portsmouth occupy mid-table with 18 points. The hosts have conceded 25 goals this season, the worst defensive record in the division. Portsmouth have conceded 15 goals in the same span and arrive unbeaten in their last four matches.

Burnley sacked head coach Nicky Hayen after a 4-1 defeat to Lincoln, their third game without a win. The club dropped from the Premier League and now faces relegation pressure. Despite defensive fragility, Burnley have scored 17 goals in 12 rounds, with Zeki Amdouni among their key attacking threats. They scored first in their last five matches before the Lincoln loss.

Portsmouth have won three of their last four games, including a 3-2 victory over Sheffield United and a 2-1 win against Millwall. The visitors' pace on the counterattack and defensive solidity present a sharp contrast to Burnley's vulnerabilities. Portsmouth have not beaten Burnley since 2011, a record that adds intrigue to this fixture.

Form and H2H

Burnley's recent sequence reads: 4-0 win over Watford away, 2-2 draw with Charlton, 2-1 loss to Wolverhampton, 4-1 defeat to Lincoln. The Watford result now appears an outlier rather than a sign of sustained improvement. Managerial change often provides short-term lift, but Burnley's defensive issues run deep.

Portsmouth's last four matches show 1-0 loss to Southampton, 3-2 win over Sheffield United, 1-0 away victory at Norwich, 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton, and 2-1 win against Millwall. The visitors have demonstrated ability to win tight contests and score in open play. Their defensive record of 15 goals conceded in 12 matches is substantially stronger than Burnley's 25.

Best bet

Back Burnley to win. The managerial change provides an emotional jolt at home, and Burnley's attacking output remains respectable with 17 goals in 12 rounds. Portsmouth's unbeaten run is genuine, but Burnley have scored first in their recent matches and carry the advantage of Turf Moor. A new manager bounce, combined with home advantage and Burnley's attacking threat, makes the hosts worth backing despite their defensive frailties.

Odds to watch

1Win: Home 2.12 / Draw 3.41 / Away 3.4.

1xBet: Home 2.09 / Draw 3.46 / Away 3.3.