Portsmouth travel to Lincoln City this weekend in search of their first league win of the new Championship season. The match at the LNER Stadium kicks off at 12:30pm on Saturday, 22 August.
John Mousinho's side have not won any of their last five matches in all competitions. That run includes a 3-1 Carabao Cup loss to West Ham United and a 3-1 defeat to Queens Park Rangers in their league opener last weekend. Portsmouth currently sit 22nd in the early standings, with the pressure to pick up points already building.
Lincoln City, promoted from League One last season, also lost their first Championship game. Chris Cohen's team were beaten 2-1 by Middlesbrough, ending a run of three straight wins. Their form in the Carabao Cup was more positive, with a 2-1 victory over Derby County providing a boost.
Team news and form
Neither manager has confirmed a starting lineup, with both expected to provide updates closer to kick-off. No new injury or suspension concerns have been reported for Portsmouth's squad ahead of the trip. Mousinho will have a full group to select from as he looks to find a winning formula.
Recent history between the clubs favours Pompey. The last meeting, in April 2024, ended in a 2-0 away win for Portsmouth at this same ground. Across the last five head-to-head matches, Portsmouth have won three times without losing.
Portsmouth's away form will be tested at a stadium that is not an easy place for visitors. The club's full schedule of upcoming fixtures can be found on our fixtures page. Mousinho knows his team must start turning performances into results quickly in a demanding division.
Lincoln have scored nine goals in their last five matches but have also conceded seven. Portsmouth, by contrast, have managed only four goals while letting in eight over the same period. Finding a cutting edge in attack will be important for both sides in what is an early six-pointer near the bottom of the table.
The match is available to watch via selected streaming services in the United States. For Portsmouth supporters, the focus is squarely on the team ending their poor run. The next fixture after this is a home game at Fratton Park next weekend.
