Lincoln City - Portsmouth

Can Lincoln City find the defensive rhythm needed to secure their first Championship points when they host Portsmouth at LNER Stadium on 22 August 2026? The hosts arrive following a narrow 2-1 defeat to Middlesbrough, a result that highlights the step up in quality for this campaign. Managerial plans for the expected XI rely on the attacking partnership of Ben House and Freddie Draper to test the visitors, while the midfield trio of Ivan Varfolomeev, Conor McGrandles, and Dom Jefferies will be tasked with controlling the tempo in the centre of the pitch.

Portsmouth travel to the LNER Stadium looking to bounce back after a difficult 3-1 loss to Queens Park Rangers. The visitors face a significant setback with the absence of defender Connor Ogilvie, which may force a reshuffle in their back line. With Abu Kamara and Colby Bishop leading the line, Portsmouth will aim to exploit any gaps left by the hosts, hoping to replicate the tactical discipline they showed in their previous League One encounters against Lincoln City.