Southampton and Portsmouth Prepare for St Mary’s Derby

Southampton will host Portsmouth at St Mary's Stadium on Sunday at 12 p.m. BST in a South Coast derby that could affect both clubs' Championship ambitions. According to Southampton's official match preview published October 10, 2026, the hosts are targeting a return to the playoff places, while Portsmouth are seeking crucial points to increase their distance from the relegation zone.

The fixture is sold out, Southampton confirmed. The club's latest match information also highlights the significance of local rivalry, with the last four league meetings between the teams ending in draws.

A Southampton victory could lift the hosts back into the playoff positions or bring them closer, depending on other results. Portsmouth, meanwhile, sit just two points above the relegation zone and risk moving closer to the bottom three if they leave St Mary's without points.

Southampton manager Tonda Eckert confirmed a triple fitness boost ahead of the match. Daniel Peretz and Cyle Larin are available after concerns about their condition following the international break, while long-term absentee Caspar Jander has made encouraging progress. However, his possible return to the squad remains uncertain.

Eckert expects Portsmouth to present a disciplined challenge but believes Southampton's home record gives his team a platform to compete. The manager also pointed to Portsmouth's recent performance against Chelsea during the international break.

“[Portsmouth] are very solid and don’t give you too much. They’ve played Chelsea in the international break and beat them 2-0, but this is a game at St Mary’s. We’ve shown time and time again that it’s our place. We have to prove that again on Sunday,” said Tonda Eckert.

Portsmouth manager John Mousinho faces several selection decisions before the trip. Striker Marko Milovanovic and defender Conor Shaughnessy remain doubts after recent absences, while midfielder Keshi Anderson has resumed training but will not be rushed back into contention.

Mousinho acknowledged Southampton's squad strength and the pressure surrounding the local rivalry ahead of the Championship encounter.

“[Southampton] have a very strong squad, very well-resourced - they are very heavy favourites, in my eyes. We know it's going to be a really difficult job and there's that hype and anticipation with the fact it's a derby and we'll be expected to raise our game,” said John Mousinho.

Southampton will also look to Leo Scienza, who scored at Fratton Park during last season's derby. The Brazilian has recorded three goals and two assists in all competitions this season, according to the club's match preview.

Portsmouth's attacking options include Croatian international Adrian Segečić, one of only two players in the squad to have scored more than once in all competitions during the team's difficult start to the campaign. Segečić scored 11 goals in his debut Championship season last year.

Southampton's recent league results include a 4-1 home win over Bristol City, a 3-1 victory against Swansea, draws against Birmingham, Blackburn and Charlton, and a 2-0 home defeat to Derby. Portsmouth's previous league meeting with Southampton, in January 2026, ended 1-1, with Scienza scoring for the Saints.

Adam Herczeg will referee Sunday's match, assisted by Bhups Singh Gill and Alistair Nelson. Ruebyn Ricardo will serve as the fourth official at St Mary's Stadium.