Southampton’s south‑coast derby fixtures against Portsmouth have been moved to Sunday, Oct 11 at St Mary’s and Sunday, Feb 28 at Fratton Park, with both kick‑offs set for 12 pm. The EFL confirmed the changes on Tuesday, citing policing requirements as the main driver.

Why were the dates altered?

The original schedule placed the matches on the weekends of Oct 10 and Feb 27. Local authorities warned that crowd‑control resources would be stretched thin on those days, especially with other sporting events in the region. By shifting the games to the following Sundays, police can deploy a full contingent without overlap. The new times also give fans a clear window to travel, as the noon slot avoids the usual evening rush.

How does this affect Southampton’s campaign?

Southampton sit 4th in the Championship, 80 pts, 22W‑14D‑10L from 46 games, recent form WDWDD and are 15 points behind leaders Coventry. A win in either derby could tighten the race for the top‑four playoff spots. The Saints’ last result was a 2‑1 victory over Middlesbrough on May 12, showing they can grind out tight wins when needed. Both derbies ended level last season – 0‑0 at St Mary’s and 1‑1 at Fratton – so the stakes feel even higher this year.

What does history say about these meetings?

The two clubs met in the Championship during Southampton’s promotion‑winning 2011/12 campaign, and the games also finished level. The pattern of draws suggests tightly contested affairs, with neither side able to dominate. Fans will remember the goalless stalemate at St Mary’s and the 1‑1 draw at Fratton Park, both of which highlighted defensive discipline on both sides.

What’s next for the Saints?

After the October derby, Southampton will face a run of fixtures that could shape their playoff chances. A win would push them closer to the top three, while a slip could see Coventry widen the gap. The February clash offers a chance to regain momentum before the season’s final push. Manager Russell Martin will likely rotate his squad to keep key players fresh, especially after the busy December period.

The rescheduled dates give both clubs a clear timetable to plan logistics, ticket sales, and fan travel. With police involvement a major factor, the noon kick‑offs aim to keep the atmosphere safe while preserving the derby’s intensity. Southampton’s supporters will be hoping the Saints can finally turn a series of draws into a decisive win and keep their playoff hopes alive.