Key Statistics for Watford vs. Portsmouth Match

Watford is scheduled to host Portsmouth on Boxing Day. Portsmouth enters this fixture following a recent 4-1 victory over Coventry City, a result described as morale-boosting. The Hornets currently hold a position within the Championship’s top eight, having accumulated 34 points, placing them just one point behind Middlesbrough in sixth. Portsmouth, or ‘Pompey’, has spent a significant portion of the season in the bottom three, but recent strong home performances have lifted them above the relegation line; they are presently ranked 20th. Watford has secured victories in their last three home league encounters against Portsmouth. This upcoming match marks their first meeting since a 2-0 win in November 2011. Notably, the home side has emerged victorious in all of the last six league meetings between Watford and Portsmouth. Watford has experienced defeats in their previous two league matches played on Boxing Day. The last instance of them suffering three consecutive losses on this specific date occurred between 1956 and 1958. In the second tier, Portsmouth has not won any of their last seven Boxing Day games (four draws, three losses) since a 3-1 victory over QPR in 1997. Watford has been victorious in both prior Boxing Day matches against Portsmouth. They secured a 1-0 win in 1988 under manager Steve Harrison and a 2-0 win in 1994 with Glenn Roeder at the helm.