Southampton vs Portsmouth: Best Bets, Odds & 8/1 Bet Builder Tip

Southampton arrive in strong form after recovering from a points deduction that left them on negative points at the start of the season, and they are now comfortably clear of the bottom of the table. Portsmouth, by contrast, sit 19th in the Championship and are only three points above the relegation zone, which sets up a derby in which the hosts have the momentum and the visitors need a result. 

Who is the Favourite to Win in Southampton v Portsmouth?

Southampton go into the game as clear favourites, priced at 8/13 to win with Betway, while the draw is available at 16/5 with Betfred and Portsmouth are out at 9/2 with bet365.

The market reflects Southampton's recent form and their strength at home, where they beat Bristol City 4-1 in their last outing at St Mary's, although the derby atmosphere and the history between these two sides mean a tight contest is never out of the question.

Southampton v Portsmouth Best Betting Tip

Best Bet: Cyle Larin - Anytime Goalscorer
Best odds: 11/10 (Sky Bet)
Stake: 1pt

Cyle Larin to score anytime is the standout angle on this card. He leads the Championship scoring charts with seven goals, and he returned from international duty without any fitness concerns, which means he should lead the line for a Southampton side that is creating chances at a high rate.

Portsmouth's struggles at the foot of the division make the price look generous for the league's top scorer, and with Southampton expected to dominate possession at home, Larin should see plenty of the ball in the penalty area. Odds-against about the Championship's leading marksman against a side sitting 19th is a price worth taking.

Southampton v Portsmouth Bet Builder Tip

Here's our Southampton v Portsmouth Bet Builder Tip for Sunday's game:

• Yes - Both Teams To Score
• Adrian Segecic Over 1.5 - Shots
• Cyle Larin Over 1.5 - Fouls
• Marlon Pack Over 1.5 - Fouls

Best odds of 8/1 at bet365 while publishing.

Both teams to score has landed in each of Southampton's last eight matches, a run that tells you plenty about how their games have been playing out. Southampton are comfortable going forward, but they have also been willing to concede at the other end, and a derby against a Portsmouth side who need goals to climb away from the relegation zone should add to the openness.

Portsmouth have attacking players capable of finding a goal on the break, so with Southampton likely to commit numbers forward at home, it looks sensible to lean on that pattern continuing.

Segecic has cleared this line in six of his last seven matches, which makes him a consistent source of shots in a Portsmouth attack that has otherwise struggled for threat. He is rated 6.97 on WhoScored, the highest mark among the Portsmouth players in the predicted lineup, and he is likely to be the main outlet when the visitors get forward.

With Southampton expected to have the majority of the ball, Portsmouth will rely on quick transitions, and Segecic is the player most likely to get the chances to shoot in those moments.

Larin has committed two or more fouls in each of his last four matches, so this leg has landed in four of four. That level of involvement is not a surprise for a striker who plays on the shoulder of the last defender and competes for every ball, and it is likely to continue in a derby that should be physical from the first whistle.

Portsmouth will look to make life uncomfortable for the league's top scorer, and a game with plenty of aerial duels and second balls gives him every chance of picking up a couple of fouls along the way.

Pack is Portsmouth's experienced midfield anchor, and his job on Sunday is to disrupt a Southampton midfield that will look to control the tempo through Ward-Prowse. With the hosts expected to see the majority of possession, Pack is likely to spend large parts of the game stopping attacks before they develop, which should give him every chance of clearing this line.

Southampton v Portsmouth Player Shot Tip

Best Bet: James Ward-Prowse - Over 1.5 Shots
Best odds: 3/4 (BetMGM UK)
Stake: 1pt

James Ward-Prowse is the player to back in the shots market, and his recent numbers support a price that looks fair. His shots across his last four games read 5, 2, 0 and 2, which means he has had at least two attempts in three of those four, and the gradual way he has settled into the side since returning to St Mary's points to even more involvement from here.

Ward-Prowse is a set piece specialist, and with a derby likely to bring plenty of free kicks in good positions, he has a clear route to a second attempt. He also looks a strong contender for a shot on target leg, which is worth keeping in mind for anyone who wants a slightly different angle on the same player