Derby vs Portsmouth Match Preview

Friday’s Championship match pits together the two teams that finished first and second in last season’s League One. Derby finds itself struggling in the lower half of the table, while Portsmouth has climbed above the relegation zone for the first time this season—thanks to a four-game unbeaten streak, including two clean sheets.

Last season’s two league meetings between these sides ended in draws, but Pompey manager John Mousinho anticipates a different challenge at Pride Park tonight.

“I’ve watched Derby at Pride Park a few times. They’re a different team at home, very aggressive. They play in a distinct way and execute their plan with precision. You know exactly what to expect from a Paul Warne team,” Mousinho told the local press.

Derby County

The Rams has won just one of their last eleven matches, leaving both players and fans underwhelmed after last weekend’s 2-0 defeat against Leeds. However, Wednesday’s goalless draw away to promotion-chasing Burnley offered a much-needed boost of confidence ahead of facing their League One counterpart from last season.

Manager Paul Warne can count on an almost fully fit squad, as Ebou Adams and Callum Elder returned from suspension against Burnley. However, Ryan Nyambe and David Ozoh remain sidelined.

Portsmouth

Portsmouth is enjoying their first spell above the relegation zone since August, buoyed by four consecutive games without defeat. While they still trail Derby by four points, Pompey has two games in hand over most of their rivals. On the road, Portsmouth has taken points in five of their first nine matches, including a dramatic 2-2 draw at Swansea last time out, where they squandered a 2-0 lead.

Notably, the last four encounters with Derby have all ended in draws. Unfortunately for John Mousinho, his squad is without Regan Poole, who sustained a hamstring injury midweek that will keep him out for several weeks.

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Betting Tips

Derby vs Portsmouth
Pride Park, Friday, 8:00 PM

The last four meetings between The Rams and Portsmouth have ended in draws, with three of those games featuring fewer than three goals. The corresponding fixture last season finished 1-1.

Both teams come into this match following midweek goalless draws, suggesting that a high-scoring affair is unlikely tonight. Recent trends in the Championship further support this, as nine of twelve midweek games ended with fewer than three goals.

Our Pick: Under 2.5 goals @ Betsson, odds 1.65 (3 units).

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By Laurinho
TheTipster