Derby v Portsmouth

Derby vs Portsmouth Preview

Derby County's winless run in the Championship was further extended to six games overall in midweek although The Rams did gain a useful point in a 0-0 draw away from home at third placed Burnley which will give the upcoming hosts belief that they can end this lean period on Friday night.

Portsmouth made it four games unbeaten in the English second tier on Tuesday night when the south coast club also drew 0-0 at home against Norwich City and this valuable point was also enough to lift Pompey out of the bottom three in the table.

Derby County have now slipped down to 16th place in the Championship table having drawn three but lost three of their last six matches overall and despite picking up useful points in draws with Plymouth Argyle, Preston NE and Burnley, the three losses have overshadowed these modest results.

Losses at the hands of Swansea City, Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United, the former two defeats both being at home, suggest Derby County are by no means guaranteed a positive result here at Pride Park on Friday night.

Indeed, the bigger picture shows Paul Warne's side have managed to capture just two wins from their previous 15 matches overall in the Championship whilst slipping to seven defeats, so the goals market could appeal here - five of Derby County's nine home games have resulted in both teams scoring.

Portsmouth lifted themselves out of the bottom three places in the Championship table courtesy of a point gained in their midweek clash against Norwich City as the south coast club were also involved in a 0-0 stalemate.

Nevertheless, John Mousinho's side are now unbeaten in their last four games overall, picking up wins against Preston NE and Bristol City along with gaining vital points in draws with Swansea City and Norwich City.

However, league wins have been hard to come by for the south coast visitors as Portsmouth have managed to collect just three wins from their total of 18 matches played to date so far this season, only one of which has been achieved away from home.

It's been 12 years since Portsmouth last appeared in the Championship and the visitors know they must start picking up points on the road if they are to maintain their second flight status this term but this may be easier said than done.

Portsmouth have registered just one away win all season to date which came by way of a 2-1 victory at fellow strugglers QPR, so the goals market appeals here especially as seven of Pompey's nine away games have seen both teams score.

Derby County v Portsmouth Verdict

Seven of the last eight meetings between Derby County and Portsmouth have resulted in both teams scoring, four of which have ended in score-draws.

Therefore, our main bet will be BTTS Yes @ 1.83

Other side bets worth considering:

Draw @ 3.50

Correct Score: 2-2 @ 15.00