How Portsmouth's League One title and promotion odds have changed following poor start to season

Pompey’s standing as one of the bookies’ pre-season favourites for the League One title has plummeted.
Lee Evans celebrates Wigan's opener against Pompey on Saturday.  Picture: Joe PeplerLee Evans celebrates Wigan's opener against Pompey on Saturday.  Picture: Joe Pepler
Lee Evans celebrates Wigan's opener against Pompey on Saturday. Picture: Joe Pepler

Initially considered 9/1 joint-second favourites by Skybet alongside Charlton and Peterborough behind Sunderland (13/2) for the 2020-21 crown, the Blues no longer possess as much confidence within the market.

Indeed, Kenny Jackett’s side have seen others overtake them in the betting following their poor start to the new campaign – a start that currently sees them sit 21st in the league table.

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Successive goalless draws in their opening two games failed to inspire many to put their hands in their pockets and take a punt on them come the end of the season.

However, their latest result – a 2-1 home defeat at the hands of crisis club Wigan – has seen trust in their capabilities drop even further, with Skybet now offering odds of 14/1 on Pompey lifting the League One trophy next May.

That sees them concede ground to Sunderland in the market (11/4) and allows Ipswich (5/1), Hull (7/1) and Peterborough (11/1) to overtake them.

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According to Skybet, Lincoln’s perfect start to the season sees them sit at 16/1 – just behind the Fratton Park outfit.

Yet, for the likes of Bet365, Unibet and Betfred, Michael Appleton’s side are considered a safer bet.

According to Bet365, the Imps are 14/1 to win the division, with the Blues at 16/1. Interestingly, Oxford are also sitting prettier at 14/1.

Meanwhile, both Unibet and Betfred have Pompey at 14/1 while Lincoln sit at 12/1.

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In terms of winning promotion, either automatically or via the play-offs, once again Pompey have taken a hit.

Initially considered 5/2 to secure a return back to the Championship, Jackett’s side are now considered a 7/2 shot with Skybet – well behind Sunderland (10/11), Ipswich (7/4), Hull (5/2) and Peterborough (3/1).

Despite currently occupying a place in the relegation zone, Jackett’s side are priced at 16/1 (Bet365, William Hill) to be playing League Two football next season.

Rochdale, who held the Blues to a goalless draw at the Crown Oil Arena less than 10 days away are 4/9 favourites for the drop.

Pompey title odds:

12/1: Betway, Boyle Sports

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14/1: Skybet, Williams Hill, Betfair, BetVictor, Paddy Power

16/1: Bet365

Pompey promotion odds:

7/2: Skybet

4/1: William Hill, Betfred, Boyle Sports

9/2: Bet365, BetVictort

Pompey relegation odds:

16/1 Bet365, William Hill, BetVictor, Betfred

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