Portsmouth desperately need points on Saturday, Dec 19 at 4:00 PM in the Championship. With the team sitting in the bottom three, this is quickly becoming a must-win situation.

Middlesbrough come into this fixture drawing too many games (3D in last 5). Portsmouth travel out of form (1W 2L recently), which may hand the initiative to the hosts.

Despite playing at home, Middlesbrough face a side that has dominated this fixture historically. Portsmouth have won 4 of 10 encounters, with 5 draws. Their last encounter ended in Portsmouth won 1–0. These two tend to produce goals — averaging 2.6 per game in recent meetings.

Verdict: The gulf in league position makes Middlesbrough clear favorites, but Portsmouth have shown they can grind out results. Expect Middlesbrough to take the points, potentially without being at their best.