Portsmouth travel to Bristol City on New Year’s Day (3pm) seeking to extend their unbeaten streak to five matches. John Mousinho’s side finished 2025 with Monday’s dramatic victory over Charlton and now face eighth-placed opposition at Ashton Gate.
The Blues head into 2026 positioned outside the Championship relegation zone at the campaign’s halfway stage, buoyed by four consecutive matches without defeat. Their hosts occupy a contrasting position in the standings, sitting just two points behind the final play-off berth.
Bristol City enter this fixture following a 2-1 reverse at Millwall, marking their second loss to the Lions during December. However, their most recent performance at Ashton Gate saw them defeat second-placed Middlesbrough 2-0, with goals from Emil Riis and former Fratton Park loanee Rob Atkinson.
Gerhard Struber succeeded Liam Manning in the summer after the latter departed for Norwich, though Manning’s tenure at Carrow Road proved brief. Under Manning, the Robins reached last season’s play-offs before Sheffield United eliminated them comprehensively across two legs.
Portsmouth supporters may recall their last visit to Ashton Gate with little fondness. Almost twelve months ago, a depleted Blues outfit suffered a 3-0 defeat at this venue. When these sides met at Fratton Park in November, Anis Mehmeti scored the only goal in Bristol City’s 1-0 triumph.
Squad Situation
Colby Bishop’s availability remains uncertain after withdrawing from Monday’s matchday squad shortly before kick-off. Mousinho must assess whether Conor Shaughnessy can start following his goalscoring substitute appearance against Charlton.
Portsmouth’s injury list includes Florian Bianchini (knee), Jacob Farrell (groin), Josh Knight (back), Callum Lang (hamstring), Josh Murphy (hamstring), Connor Ogilvie (knee) and Thomas Waddingham (thigh). Márk Kosznovszky faces a late fitness test on his knee problem.
The home side will miss Max Bird (knee), Fally Mayulu (quad), Luke McNally (knee), Mark Sykes (quad), Radek Vitek (knee) and Joe Williams (hamstring). Former Blues loanees Atkinson, Ross McCrorie and Cameron Pring could all feature for the Robins.
Previous Encounters
Overall record: Pompey 15 wins, Bristol City 24 wins, 18 draws
At Ashton Gate: Pompey 5 wins, Bristol City 16 wins, 7 draws
Most recent away fixture (29 December 2024): Bristol City 3-0 Portsmouth (Mehmeti 2, Dickie)
Match Officials
James Bell takes charge, assisted by Richard Woodward and Hugh Gilroy, with John Busby as fourth official. Bell last officiated Portsmouth during their narrow defeat at Plymouth last season, issuing two yellow cards to Blues players and four to the opposition. Across 12 matches this campaign, he has shown 48 yellow cards without producing a red.
Ticketing Information
No tickets remain available through Portsmouth FC, and the away club will not sell tickets on matchday. Bristol City has published a visiting supporters’ guide available on their website.
Travelling fans should note the M27 closure in both directions between Junction 9 (Whiteley) and Junction 11 (Fareham East) until 4am on Sunday 4 January.
Broadcast Details
UK-based supporters can watch live via the Sky Sports+ application. International viewers can access coverage through Pompey+, available via subscription or individual match pass purchase.
George Wedlake hosts the Fratton Park studio broadcast alongside Paul Hardyman and Mark Kelly. Supporters can contribute via the Pompey+ WhatsApp channel on +44 7457 413694. Andrew Moon and Guy Whittingham provide audio commentary for subscribers.
Local supporters unable to attend can follow proceedings on BBC Radio Solent or Express FM (not available online).
Elsewhere in the Championship
New Year’s Day fixtures (all 3pm unless stated):
- Blackburn v Wrexham (12.30pm)
- Charlton v Coventry
- Derby v Middlesbrough
- Hull v Stoke
- Ipswich v Oxford
- Preston v Sheffield Wednesday
- QPR v Norwich
- Southampton v Millwall
- Swansea v West Brom
- Watford v Birmingham
- Sheffield United v Leicester (5.30pm)
