Portsmouth and Millwall have different ways of turning wide play into a second chance. Portsmouth can circulate at home, while Millwall have a direct release and a strong response after the break. At Villa Park, City should have more of the ball and probe both flanks. Villa's central screen and quick first outlet will determine how often that possession becomes a clean chance.
Millwall can find Sykes or Neghli for a low cross, Lisbie at the far side and Cooper on the next set piece. Portsmouth's current front line has struggled to create repeated clean contacts; Bishop and other club-confirmed absentees missed Wolves, while Millwall's wide supply played against Lincoln and Esse is back in the squad. Millwall's longer recovery supports those deliveries late. That's why I'm siding with Millwall to take something from Portsmouth.
Villa can win the first City pass through Kamara and Gomes, then release Jackson or Buendia before the counter-press settles. Onana and both missing full-back options were absent against Viking, while City's Haaland is officially available after resting during AEK. Villa's block and direct receiving chain can keep the contest tight even through City possession spells. That's why I'm siding with Aston Villa to stay close.
