Portsmouth vs Sheffield United – Preview | OneFootball

Sheffield United travel to the south coast on Saturday afternoon to take on Portsmouth in what’s been a tricky away game historically for the Blades.

Portsmouth had built a decent run of form having been unbeaten in four games before suffering a 1-0 loss away at Preston North End last time out. Pompey are floating just a single point above the relegation zone as things stand.

The Blades fell to a 2-1 defeat at home against Middlesbrough in what was a fascinating back-and-forth game to watch. United were also reduced to ten men with Joe Rothwell picking up a straight red card on his debut which could’ve seen the end of the match go very differently had he not lunged in with a horrible tackle on the touchline.

Team News

The home side have several injured players to contend with. Keshi Anderson is the latest player to be designated to the treatment room with a hamstring issue. Defenders Josh Knight, Conor Shaughnessy and Hayden Matthews remain sidelined. Meanwhile, forwards Harvey Blair, Franco Umeh and Thomas Waddingham are all dealing with soft tissue problems.

As stated above, Joe Rothwell will serve a three-game suspension, which will see United’s midfield options limited. Kalvin Phillips also made his Blades debut off the bench on Monday evening and in the few minutes he was on the pitch, United looked much more composed even with a man less.

Defensive midfielder Jairo Riedewald is also pushing closer to a return to the matchday squad.

Portsmouth’s Impact Player For This Game

Portsmouth are floating dangerously above the drop zone as we head into this weekend. But that’s not to say they don’t have the quality to defeat the Blades.

Fratton Park has been a difficult place for United to visit in recent times, and Saturday will likely be no different.

Conor Chaplin is one of the Pompey players that could cause the visitors all sorts of problems. Since signing on loan from Ipswich Town in September, the versatile attacking midfielder has found the net once and served up three assists, and while those aren’t eye-catching numbers, his overall impact and Championship experience could play a vital part in keeping Jon Mousinho’s side in the division come the end of the campaign.

Chaplin is a nimble player that excels in picking the ball up and using his agility to bypass opposition midfielders and defenders. Plus, he has very good vision to see runners from all across the pitch and he has the quality to deliver those pinpoint lofted passes and zipping through balls.

The Pompey man has averaged two chances created per game this term, which is one of the highest numbers in the Championship. Additionally, his dribble success rate of 80% is extremely good, so the Blades’ midfielders must be on their toes at the weekend.

Sheffield United’s Impact Player For This Game

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 06: Patrick Bamford of Sheffield United celebrates scoring Sheffield United’s third goal of the game during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United and Stoke City at Bramall Lane on December 06, 2025 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Harriet Massey/Getty Images)

It was a bit of a surprise on Monday night when Patrick Bamford’s name was in the starting eleven to face his former side Middlesbrough given his injury status. Nevertheless, the 32-year-old could’ve easily had a hat-trick at Bramall Lane.

It’s quite obvious by now that Bamford is clearly the best striker at the club and that’s not just because he has bagged seven goals in nine starts. His movement is simply outstanding, and that was on full display against Boro. He has the know-how of when to drop to feet, pin his man, and time his runs in behind. When watching Bamford play it’s almost like he plays the game in slow motion, quite similar in the way that David McGoldrick floated around the pitch and impacted the game with his technical ability and composure.

Bamford averages over two shots on target per game, almost 0.5 big chances created per game, and five touches in the opposition box per game. Again, this is more proof that the former Leeds man is simply one of, if not the most effective player the Blades currently have in the attacking third.

With Portsmouth’s defence currently struggling with injuries, Bamford, who scored on Monday night, could capitalise on a potentially overworked and fragile Pompey back line.

My Prediction

Portsmouth are in a situation where they need to gut it out and get some players back from injury, ready to tackle the final few months of the campaign. In contrast, the Blades are in a grey area; one loss and they’re looking over their shoulder at the bottom three, one win and they’re looking up at that final play-off spot in hope.

This one will be a very edgy affair, and given United’s attacking qualities they should be walking away with a win here. Sheffield United can see out a 1-0 win.

Stats taken from Fotmob and Opta.