'There for the taking' – Norwich City vs Portsmouth prediction: The72

16/04/2025 09:30

Portsmouth head to mid-table Norwich City this weekend as they look to move one step closer to Championship survival.

Portsmouth have given a decent account of themselves on their return to the second tier. However, there is still work to do for Pompey if they hope to stay in the Championship next season.

John Mousinho’s side are four points clear of the drop zone with four games to go. With four of the five sides below them in better form though, Pompey will be looking over their shoulder.

After back-to-back losses, Portsmouth drew 2-2 with 21st-place Derby County last weekend. Rob Atkinson’s late equaliser secured what could be a huge point come the end of the season.

Friday’s opponents Norwich City have seen their season drift away as the year has progressed. They are now 10 points adrift of the top six and down in 13th place.

Norwich have just one win in their last five games, losing three over that period. The Canaries were beaten by bottom-of-the-league Plymouth Argyle just three games ago.

Johannes Hoff Thorup’s were beaten 2-1 away to 2nd placed Burnley last Friday. It was a good second-half showing from Norwich but they still came away with nothing to show for it.

Here, a handful of our writers make their predictions for the game…

Charlie Hodgson

“This is a real chance for Portsmouth to pick up a vital three points for their survival chances. Norwich City are there for the taking at the minute and Pompey will know.

“However, Norwich have nothing to lose now. They are playing ahead of next season now and will want to go into the next campaign in positive form.

“I do think Portsmouth are going to get something at Carrow Road. Pompey simply have so much more on the line and I think that will be clear to see on Friday.”

Prediction: Norwich City 1-2 Portsmouth

James Ray

“Norwich City will have eyes firmly set on next season after a challenging yet transitional first campaign under Thorup. However, it will be important for the Canaries to find form over the final games of the season to go into an important summer in good spirits.

“Portsmouth meanwhile are still nervously looking over their shoulders in the survival fight. I am pretty confident they’ll be just fine, but a few more points are needed to get them over the line.

“Their poor away record means I’m not confident they’ll get a win, but with much more to fight for than Norwich, I’ll say Pompey claim a respectable point on the road.”

Prediction: Norwich City 1-1 Portsmouth

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