Portsmouth have locked in the 2026/27 south‑coast derby dates, with Southampton travelling to Fratton Park on Sunday, 11 October, and the reverse fixture set for Sunday, 28 February. Both games will kick off at 12 pm, a slot chosen to ease policing demands.

When are the derbies and why the new timings?

The EFL reshuffled the calendar after clubs raised concerns over crowd safety and police availability. Originally slated for the weekends of 10 October and 27 February, the matches were moved a day later and the kick‑off time shifted to midday. The change aims to spread fan movement across the city and minimise disruption on match‑day streets.

How did the clubs finish last season?

Both encounters ended in stalemates in the 2025/26 campaign – a goalless draw at St Mary’s followed by a 1‑1 result at Fratton Park. The pattern mirrors the 2011/12 season, when the two sides also split points in the Championship. Those draws offered no advantage, leaving both clubs with identical points from the fixtures.

What does the schedule mean for Portsmouth’s campaign?

Portsmouth sit 18th in the Championship, 55 points from 46 games, with a recent form of DWLWW. They have scored 49 goals while conceding 64, leaving a –15 goal difference. The club sits 40 points behind leaders Coventry and will travel to Sheffield United on 16 February 2027 for their next away test, a match against the 13th‑placed side.

How might the derbies impact the relegation battle?

With the season now half‑way through, every point matters for a side fighting to stay up. A win against Southampton could lift Portsmouth several places, while a loss would deepen the gap to safety. The midday kick‑off also gives fans a chance to attend both fixtures without clashing with other weekend commitments, potentially boosting attendance and revenue at Fratton Park.

What should fans expect on the day?

Both clubs have confirmed full‑capacity crowds, and local authorities are preparing additional transport links. Police have warned supporters to follow designated routes and respect steward instructions. The atmosphere is expected to be electric, with the rivalry still fresh after two dead‑locked meetings.

Portsmouth will aim to turn the pattern of draws into a win, hoping the new timing eases logistical pressures and lets the players focus on the 90 minutes. The club’s next challenge after the February derby will be the trip to Sheffield United, a test that could define their survival hopes.