Struggling Norwich host a Portsmouth side hit by injuries
Philippe Clement’s side are 20th with nine points after losing 1-0 at home to Southampton on Wednesday, their sixth defeat in a row in all competitions. Portsmouth are 16th on 11 points and beat Sheffield United 3-2 on the same night, with Ebou Adams scoring the winner in the 89th minute. Kick-off is at 16:00, with Gavin Ward the referee. Norwich City and Portsmouth meet at Carrow Road on Saturday, 17 October 2026, in round 11 of the Championship.
“It was not good enough and that’s why I was disappointed with the last 20 minutes.” – Norwich head coach Philippe Clement after the Southampton defeat
Predicted lineups: Norwich vs Portsmouth
Norwich are without goalkeeper Vladan Kovačević, who has concussion, and top scorer Mohamed Touré, who is out until January. Kenny McLean, Mirko Topić, Ali Ahmed and Papa Amadou Diallo are also missing. Portsmouth’s injury list is long: John Swift is out for four to six weeks with a knee injury, Keshi Anderson came off with a hamstring problem against Sheffield United, and Josh Murphy, Conor Shaughnessy and Connor Ogilvie are also out.
Norwich City Team News & Preview
Norwich’s losing run started with a 4-3 defeat at Middlesbrough. They then lost 5-0 at Manchester City in the cup, 4-3 at home to Bolton, 2-1 at Swansea after leading, and 1-0 at home to Southampton on Wednesday, when Kuryu Matsuki scored after Norwich failed to clear. Clement was unhappy with the last 20 minutes and the impact of his substitutes.
Goals have not been the problem. Norwich have scored 17 in ten league games, but they have conceded 20, and they have conceded in each of their last four league games.
What works for or against Norwich
- Six defeats in a row in all competitions.
- 20 goals conceded, the joint-worst record in the league.
- 17 league goals, so they keep creating chances.
- Kovačević and top scorer Touré are both out.
Portsmouth Team News & Preview
Portsmouth beat Sheffield United 3-2 on Wednesday, with Zak Swanson and Adrian Segečić scoring before Adams won it late after the Blades had fought back. Results before that were mixed: a 2-0 win over Cardiff, a 0-0 at Charlton, a 2-2 draw with Blackburn and a 1-0 defeat at Southampton.
John Mousinho admitted Anderson’s injury did not look good, and with Swift also out for several weeks, Portsmouth have lost two key attackers in a week. They have a good record at Carrow Road, though: they are unbeaten in their last five visits, and Norwich have not beaten them at home in 24 years.
What works for or against Portsmouth
- Unbeaten in their last five visits to Carrow Road.
- Late winner against Sheffield United on Wednesday.
- Swift and Anderson are both out.
- Tighter games: 25 goals in nine league matches.
Norwich vs Portsmouth Odds
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Norwich vs. Portsmouth Stats Comparison
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Norwich vs. Portsmouth Form Guide
Norwich Form, Stats & Data
Norwich score 1.7 goals per game but concede two, the joint-worst defensive record in the division. Their games are rarely tight: they lost 4-3 at Middlesbrough and 4-3 at home to Bolton in the space of a few weeks.
Portsmouth Form, Stats & Data
Portsmouth have scored 12 and conceded 13 in nine games, so their matches have been tighter than Norwich’s. Losing Swift and Anderson takes away two of their most creative players.
Norwich vs Portsmouth: Prediction & Betting Tip
I am not confident backing a Norwich side that has lost six in a row, but their games keep producing goals. Their ten league matches have averaged 3.7 goals, they have conceded in each of their last four, and they still score regularly. Both teams played on Wednesday, and tired legs usually lead to a more open game. I like over 2.5 goals.
My main concern is Portsmouth’s attack. Without Swift and Anderson they have lost two of their most creative players, and their games have been far tighter than Norwich’s, including a 0-0 at Charlton. If Pompey sit in and Norwich’s confidence stays low, this could be a nervy, low-scoring game. I still think Norwich’s defence will give enough away.
Over 2.5 Goals at 1.67 with Winz is the bet. Correct score: 1-2.