With only ten meetings in history, each one legendary, the South Coast Derby stands as potentially the most intense, yet underrated, rivalry in English football. A visit to either Portsmouth or Southampton will invariably yield an earful of venom concerning their cross-city counterparts. The Hampshire Police will be on high alert when the two sides clash at 12pm on Sunday 13th.
Portsmouth, fresh off an initially challenging but ultimately safe return to the Championship after a twelve-year absence, will be highly motivated to secure a victory against a Southampton side still reeling from a season that saw them only narrowly beating Derby County’s infamous eleven-point record. Rebounding from a last-place finish is a daunting task, yet Southampton remains optimistic about a swift return to the top flight. This confidence stems not only from their substantial Premier League parachute payments but also from the leadership of their new manager, Will Still. Following a promising tenure in France, Still is eager to demonstrate his tactical acumen and guide the Saints back to the elite level.
Having studied in Portsmouth for three years and attended Fratton Park on multiple occasions, I offer a unique perspective on this intense rivalry. The animosity between the two cities is especially fierce in Portsmouth, I distinctly remember one lecturer stating, “in the future, we will still hate Southampton” while introducing a Speculative Fiction module. Portsmouth FC is consumed by the desire to win this match, seeking to assert themselves after a decade as the lower-league understudy. They will approach this game with determination, seeing it as a defining moment for their season. Southampton, in contrast, should maintain a broader focus on their long-term objectives. Their players will need to transcend the fervent atmosphere of this derby and deliver a composed and disciplined
performance, allowing their superior quality to prevail. Regardless of the outcome, the bragging rights earned will undoubtedly fuel either fanbase for the remainder of the season.
Who do you believe will emerge victorious? Share your thoughts with the Southampton Times.
