By Mushfi Portsmouth F.C. and West Bromwich Albion are two clubs with deep roots in English football, each with its history, traditions, and loyal following. Their encounters over the years have produced drama and excitement, with both sides eager to outdo each other whenever they meet on the pitch. In this article, we’ll examine their head-to-head record, notable players, recent form, and more, providing a complete picture of this intriguing rivalry.
Club Profiles: Portsmouth F.C. vs West Bromwich Albion
Portsmouth F.C.
Founded in 1898, Portsmouth, often called Pompey, has had its fair share of glory and setbacks. The club enjoyed its most significant success during the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1939 and 2008 FA Cup victories. Despite facing financial issues, relegations, and spells in the lower leagues, Portsmouth continues to enjoy strong support from its fanbase.
Currently competing in EFL League One, Portsmouth is striving for a return to the Championship under manager Danny Cowley. After several seasons of mid-table finishes, they are aiming to bounce back into the second tier of English football.
West Bromwich Albion
West Bromwich Albion, established in 1878, is one of the oldest and most successful clubs in English football. With a proud history in the top flight, the club’s major achievements include winning the league title in 1919-20 and securing the FA Cup in 1968. Though the club has faced relegation, most recently from the Premier League in 2022, West Bromwich Albion remains a key force in English football.
Now competing in the EFL Championship, West Brom’s goal is to return to the Premier League, and they are building a competitive team capable of achieving that.
Head-to-Head: Portsmouth F.C. vs West Bromwich Albion
Record
The two clubs have met 25 times in competitive fixtures, spanning across league matches and cup competitions. Here’s a quick look at the historical statistics:
Total Matches: 25
Portsmouth Wins: 9
West Brom Wins: 11
Draws: 5
First Encounter
The inaugural clash between Portsmouth and West Brom took place on October 2, 1901, in a Division One match. The game ended in a 1-1 draw, a result that set the stage for the rivalry that would continue for over a century.
Most Recent Encounter
The most recent match occurred on February 20, 2023, in an FA Cup fifth-round tie. West Brom triumphed 3-1 at Fratton Park, continuing their dominance in this fixture.
Memorable Matches
One of the most notable encounters came during the 2007-2008 Premier League season, where Portsmouth defeated West Brom 2-1 at home. The victory was significant not only for the three points but also for Pompey’s eventual FA Cup success that year, where they went on to defeat Cardiff City in the final.
Key Player Contributions in the Portsmouth vs West Brom Rivalry
Portsmouth’s Key Players
Over the years, several key figures have made an impact in matches against West Brom:
Niko Kranjčar – The Croatian playmaker was instrumental in Portsmouth’s attack during their Premier League days. Known for his vision and technical skill, Kranjčar was a key figure during Pompey’s 2008 FA Cup run, making a significant impact in games against top-tier sides, including West Brom.
Perry Groves – A talented midfielder and a product of the Portsmouth youth system, Groves played a vital role in the club’s successes during the 2000s, bringing energy and leadership to the side.
David James – The veteran goalkeeper was crucial in Portsmouth’s defensive setup, especially during the 2008 FA Cup-winning campaign. James’ shot-stopping ability played a key part in Pompey’s successes against top-flight clubs, including West Brom.
West Brom’s Key Players
West Bromwich Albion has also had its share of standout players who have left their mark in matches with Portsmouth:
Carlos Vela – The Mexican forward enjoyed a short but memorable stint at West Brom, bringing pace and finishing ability to the team during the 2010-2011 season. His presence was a constant threat to opposition defenses.
Chris Brunt and James Morrison – Both midfielders were pivotal in West Brom’s Premier League years. Brunt’s deliveries and Morrison’s versatility were key in West Brom’s midfield battles, including those against lower-league opposition like Portsmouth.
Callum Robinson – In recent seasons, Robinson has been a standout performer for West Brom. His speed, creativity, and attacking flair have made him one of the most influential players in the club’s bid to return to the Premier League.
Current Form and Recent Results
Portsmouth’s Recent Form (2024)
Portsmouth’s performance in EFL League One has been consistent, though they’ve struggled to break into the automatic promotion spots. The squad has shown strong defensive resilience and emerging talent in midfield.
Recent Results:
Portsmouth 2-1 Shrewsbury Town (League One)
Portsmouth 1-1 Derby County (League One)
Portsmouth 3-0 Oxford United (League One)
West Bromwich Albion’s Recent Form (2024)
West Brom is competing in the EFL Championship after their Premier League relegation. They have displayed a solid, if occasionally inconsistent, level of performance, and their goal is to secure a return to the top flight.
Recent Results:
West Brom 2-0 Middlesbrough (Championship)
West Brom 1-1 Stoke City (Championship)
West Brom 3-1 Bristol Rovers (FA Cup)
Statistical Breakdown of Key Metrics
Goals Scored
In their 25 encounters, West Brom has had a slight edge in terms of goals scored:
West Brom: 38 goals
Portsmouth: 32 goals
This reflects West Brom’s generally stronger attacking record, especially considering their longer tenure in the Premier League.
Clean Sheets
Defensively, West Brom has managed to keep more clean sheets in this fixture:
West Brom: 9 clean sheets
Portsmouth: 7 clean sheets
Win Rates
Portsmouth’s Win Rate: 36%
West Brom’s Win Rate: 44%
West Brom’s slightly higher win rate suggests they have generally been the more successful side in this rivalry.
A Closing Perspective: A Rivalry with a Bright Future
The Portsmouth vs West Bromwich Albion rivalry has seen many twists and turns, with both teams experiencing periods of success and challenges. As both clubs continue to fight for promotion from their respective leagues, their encounters in the future will undoubtedly remain exciting and fiercely contested.
For fans of both sides, there’s plenty to look forward to as these two historic clubs battle for supremacy. Whether it’s reminiscing about past encounters or anticipating future meetings, the rivalry between Portsmouth and West Brom will always be a significant chapter in English football.
FAQs:-
What is the head-to-head record between Portsmouth F.C. and West Bromwich Albion?
As of the latest available data, Portsmouth F.C. and West Bromwich Albion have faced each other in over 30 competitive matches. These encounters have occurred in various competitions, including the English top-flight (Premier League), FA Cup, and EFL Cup.
Total matches played: 31
West Brom Wins: 14
Portsmouth Wins: 8
Draws: 9
Historically, West Brom has had a better overall record, particularly in the Premier League, where they were regular fixtures during their top-flight campaigns.
When was the last match between Portsmouth and West Bromwich Albion?
The last competitive match between Portsmouth and West Brom took place on January 6, 2010, during the FA Cup Third Round. The match ended in a 2-0 victory for West Brom at Fratton Park, with goals from Simon Cox and Marc-Antoine Fortuné.
Result: Portsmouth 0–2 West Bromwich Albion
Since then, both clubs have experienced different journeys in English football, with Portsmouth dropping to lower leagues and West Brom alternating between the Premier League and the Championship.
What is the overall performance of Portsmouth vs West Brom in the Premier League?
Portsmouth and West Brom both had stints in the Premier League during the 2000s and early 2010s.
Portsmouth: 2003–2010 in the Premier League (their last top-flight season was 2009-10).
West Brom: Multiple stints in the Premier League, notably from 2002–2008, and again from 2010–2018.
During their Premier League meetings, West Brom had a slightly better record overall, winning 6 of the 12 matches played between the two teams in the top flight.
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