'Will struggle' - Portsmouth handed depressing prediction reminder from ex-Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday star

Pompey fans will not be happy with the latest news from the former Sheffield Wednesday star Carlton Palmer who has once again reminded Championship audiences that he predicts the Blues to be in a relegation battle by the end of the season.

John Mousinho’s side have picked up three points from their opening four games, only losing their first game on Saturday with Sunderland beating the Blues 3-1 at Fratton Park.

The prediction from the former Leeds and West Brom defender feels a harsh one given Pompey had been going toe-to-toe with the likes of Leeds, Luton and Middlesbrough previously. However, the PO4 club have been placed with Cardiff and Preston North End in heading to League One by next May by the man who played two seasons with Southampton from 1997-1999.

Preston have managed to secure one win from their opening fixtures while Cardiff are currently sitting at the bottom of the table with just one point to their name.

Speaking to Football League World, the ex-defender and former England international said: "My predictions of the clubs that would be relegated from the Championship this season. Not changed. They are where they are. Plymouth are third-bottom as it stands with two defeats and two draws, they are down there, so nothing changes with my predictions.

“Oxford have done a lot better than I thought. But they’ve spent an awful lot of money and are sitting in ninth place with two draws and two defeats.

“But, the ones I predicted (to struggle) are down there. Portsmouth have three points from the opening four games. Preston North End have three so no, my predictions stay the same. Cardiff sit rock-bottom of the the table, even though it’s still early days with what’s going on.”

The former Owls star did note, however, that Luton Town - whose only point this season came following their 0-0 draw at Fratton Park - will be unlikely to remain so far down the league as the season progresses.

“As I’ve already said, I don’t expect Luton Town to be anywhere near the relegation picture at the end of the season”, Palmer added. “There’s still a long way to go in the season, and I expect them to kick on away from the relegation zone.”

“But I think Cardiff, Preston North End and, I still think Portsmouth will struggle even though they’ve brought in a number of players.”

Mousinho, of course, has brought in 15 new players this summer in a bid to strengthen and deepen the squad. His new-look side will once again have the opportunity of bagging their first win of the season when they welcome West Bromwich Albion to Fratton Park on Saturday 15 September.