Portsmouth now know the identity of eight teams they will definitely be playing upon their return to the Championship.
John Mousinho’s side lifted the League One title on Saturday to cap what had been a memorable week for everyone connected to the club.
The Fratton Faithful are now eagerly looking ahead to their first Championship campaign in 12 years. Thankfully, the Blues are heading back to the second tier in far better shape than the club that suffered relegation in 2012.
After seven seasons in League One, Pompey fans have become accustomed to visiting the same grounds. Yearly pilgrimages to Fleetwood, Burton and Bristol Rovers have become the norm.
Fans can finally get excited over a new set of fixtures next season.
Eight teams Portsmouth are now confirmed to face next season
Thus far, there are eight confirmed fixtures for Blues fans to get excited for. The Championship relegation battle means seven teams will still fill two spots in the third tier next season.
West Brom, Norwich City, Hull City and Coventry City are still battling to fill two positions in the top six.
Finally, two of Southampton, Ipswich Town, Leeds United and Leicester will also have to make do with their season’s being extended.
So, taking that all into account, here are the eight teams that cannot be relegated or promoted, meaning they will face Portsmouth next season.
- Middlesbrough
- Preston North End
- Cardiff City
- Bristol City
- Sunderland
- Swansea City
- Watford
- Millwall
What’s the goal for Portsmouth next season in the Championship?
Consolidation has to be the aim next season. Finances in the second tier mean that ‘doing an Ipswich’ isn’t easy. Considering Portsmouth’s prudent operational structure, money’s unlikely to be recklessly thrown about at PO4.
Looking for a mid-table finish before looking to push on over the next couple of years has to be the aim. Of course, Mousinho will be looking to ride the momentum of the title-winning campaign, but realism is required.
Speaking on talkSPORT before Portsmouth’s win over Barnsley, the Pompey boss shed light on the club’s ambition next season.
“I think if we do go up, it will be about trying to consolidate,” he explained [8:30am].
“Obviously, we need to try and get the job done first this week, but it will just be about consolidating if we do make it to the Championship.”