Portadown vs Larne - Premiership

A fascinating Premiership chapter awaits on September 12, 2026 when Portadown take on Larne at the home ground — two sides with plenty to play for and everything to prove. Altrincham vs Manchester United U21s highlights and reaction from pre-season fixture.

The standings paint a clear picture: Portadown in 12th, Larne in 5th, and both keen to climb. Portadown are mired in a difficult campaign, LLLLL over their last five and a paltry win rate of 0% painting a bleak picture. The visitors have been formidable away from home, WWWD in their last five and a win rate of 75% that puts them in elite company. Goals could be in short supply or plentiful — Portadown average 0.5 per game to Larne's 1.25, and that gap may dictate the rhythm of the contest. The Saudi Pro League side have now placed a €45 million package on the table, while Watkins himself is understood to be open to making the move.

How the two sides approach the contest strategically will be key. Portadown will want to control proceedings in front of their own supporters, while Larne will back themselves to cause problems on the break. Amad won possession in the PSG half before laying the ball off for Bryan Mbeumo to score.

Star players on both sides will be eager to make their mark, and the individual duels across the pitch could go a long way to deciding the outcome. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. Being at Eintracht Frankfurt to see that one was special as the perennial overachievers came from behind to score four second-half goals for a sensational win.

The market has yet to form a strong view, and the contest looks genuinely difficult to call. The numbers tilt towards Larne, and a 1-2 away win looks the more probable outcome. The result at the home ground could resonate well beyond matchday in the Premiership picture. Manchester City will begin another Premier League season with major uncertainty hanging over the club after league chief executive Richard Masters admitted the long-awaited verdict on their financial case has taken longer than expected.