Lincoln City vs Portsmouth Predictions

• Lincoln’s defeat to Middlesbrough was their first in 31 matches
• Portsmouth have been beaten 3-1 in both of their 2026-27 games
• The Imps have won seven straight home matches, scoring 21 goals

Lincoln likely to build on promising opener

As expected, Lincoln’s first game in the second tier for 65 years ended in defeat. However, that 2-1 loss came away at promotion contenders Middlesbrough and there was enough to like about their performance to suggest their first points will arrive sooner rather than later.

The Imps have been tipped to struggle following the departure of manager Michael Skubala but they battled well at the Riverside, taking the lead and only missing out on a point due to Will Lankshear’s 91st-minute winner.

It was a strong showing from unfancied Lincoln, and a repeat of that is likely to see off a Portsmouth side who have looked all at sea in the early stages of the campaign.

Mousinho’s men may be in for another defeat

Pompey were comprehensively beaten 3-1 at West Ham in the EFL Cup, losing the expected-goals battle 2.06-0.60, and were then downed 3-1 by QPR in their Championship curtain-raiser at Fratton Park.

John Mousinho is dealing with an injury crisis and that makes Portsmouth hard to trust, especially on the road given they have managed just two wins in eight away games.

The venue should also suit Lincoln, whose loud and excited home crowd can inspire them to an eighth straight Sincil Bank success.