Portsmouth v West Brom

Portsmouth vs West Brom Preview

Portsmouth's winless start to this new Championship season continued just before the international break when the south coast club were dealt a heavy 3-1 loss at home to high-flying Sunderland, while West Brom picked up a third win in four games by virtue of recording a 1-0 home win against Swansea City.

It's been 12 years since Portsmouth last appeared in the Championship but although they finished last season on a high by claiming the League one title and securing automatic promotion, Pompey's euphoria has been short-lived as this new Championship campaign has started in sluggish fashion.

The hosts have picked up points in draws with the likes of Leeds United, Luton Town and Middlesbrough but they also slipped to defeat at home to Sunderland last time out at Fratton Park and another tough looking test awaits them this Sunday afternoon with the visit of West Brom.

Pompey will therefore be desperate to remedy a seven-game winless run overall in all competitions when they once again hold home advantage at Fratton Park although this may be easier said than done as Portsmouth have failed to win any of their last four home games in all competitions, slipping to three defeats in the process which consists of defeats at the hands of Wigan Athletic, Millwall and Sunderland.

West Brom by contrast have lifted themselves up into second spot in the early Championship table behind the current league leaders Sunderland thanks to picking up three wins within an opening four-match unbeaten sequence in the early stages of this new second tier season.

West Brom made it to the Championship play-off semi-finals at the end of last season's campaign where they lost to the eventual play-off winners Southampton, but nevertheless, The Baggies have produced a solid start to this new season by picking up early season wins against QPR, Stoke City and Swansea City respectively, the former two wins both being away from home.

The west midlands club are expected to be amongst the teams jostling for a play-off spot again this season and recent form suggests the visitors are worthy contenders as the bigger picture shows Carlos Corberan's side have been handed just four defeats within their last 20 league matches overall, so West Brom will make their way down to the south coast for Sunday's clash in confident mood.

In addition, The Baggies have lost just three of their last 12 outings on the road in the Championship and this sort of form should see the visitors take something from this encounter.

Portsmouth v West Brom Verdict

Portsmouth's slow start to this new season suggests the visitors stand more than a decent chance of picking up all three points here.

Therefore, our main bet will be West Brom win @ 1.90

Other side bets worth considering:

West Brom win & Under 2.5 goals @ 4.33

Correct Score: West Brom 1-0 @ 7.50