Derby vs Portsmouth Predictions

Derby vs Portsmouth predictions for Friday’s Championship fixture. Portsmouth aim to extend their unbeaten streak to five matches against fellow promoted side Derby County at Pride Park in Friday’s Championship clash. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.

Europa League | Dec 12, 2024 at 8pm UK at Pride Park Stadium

Derby vs Portsmouth Predictions

Can Derby or Portsmouth Break Their Struggles at Pride Park?

• Goals Galore on the Road for Pompey: Seven of Portsmouth’s last nine away games have seen both teams score, underlining their leaky defence and consistent attack.
• Derby’s Home Woes Persist: The Rams have won just one of their last six matches at Pride Park, with both teams scoring in five of those games.
• A History of Draws: The last two meetings between Derby and Portsmouth at Pride Park have both ended in 1-1 stalemates, a scoreline that could repeat on Friday night.

Our Tips

The upcoming clash between Derby County and Portsmouth at Pride Park has all the hallmarks of a gritty Championship showdown. Both sides, promoted together from League One last season, have struggled to fully acclimatise to the challenges of this highly competitive division. While Derby sit in 16th place, four points ahead of Portsmouth, their inability to secure a win in their last six matches highlights the precarious position both teams find themselves in.

Portsmouth, however, arrive with renewed vigour. After languishing at the foot of the table earlier in the campaign, they have rallied with a four-game unbeaten streak that has pulled them out of the relegation zone on goal difference. Their defensive solidity in recent weeks, highlighted by consecutive clean sheets, has been key to this resurgence. Meanwhile, Derby’s last home victory feels like a distant memory, with the Rams searching desperately for their first win at Pride Park since early November. The scene is set for a compelling encounter, but which side will rise to the occasion?

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Best Bet: Both Teams to Score

One of the most appealing wagers for this match is for both teams to find the net. The evidence supporting this outcome is compelling when examining the recent form and underlying statistics of both sides. Derby have seen goals from both teams in five of their last six home games, while Portsmouth have experienced the same in seven of their last nine away outings. These trends indicate a high likelihood of both defences being breached on Friday night.

Derby’s attacking threats, particularly the pace of Nathaniel Mendez-Laing and the movement of their forwards, have often caused problems for opposition backlines. However, their defensive vulnerabilities are well-documented, with only two wins in their last 15 games highlighting their fragility at the back. Their clean sheet against Burnley was a rare highlight in what has been a torrid few months defensively.

Portsmouth, for their part, have improved significantly in front of goal during their recent unbeaten run. The return of Colby Bishop, who has been crucial to their offensive play, is a massive boost. His ability to hold up the ball and bring teammates into play should enable Pompey to capitalise on Derby’s defensive lapses. However, Portsmouth’s defence, while improved, still has its frailties, as shown by their record of conceding in seven of their last nine away matches.

BettingTips4You.com expert Herrin Kendrick agrees, stating: “When you have two sides struggling for wins but capable of finding the net, backing both teams to score feels like the safest route. Derby’s home form and Portsmouth’s resilience mean we’re likely to see goals at both ends.”

Given these dynamics, a wager on both teams scoring aligns well with the recent form and should provide value for punters.

Correct Score Prediction: Derby County 1-1 Portsmouth

Given the evenly matched nature of these two teams and their recent head-to-head history, a 1-1 draw emerges as the most plausible outcome. Derby’s struggle to turn decent performances into wins has been a recurring theme. Their recent draw at Burnley, while commendable, showcased their lack of cutting-edge attacking play. The Rams’ inability to finish off games at Pride Park has also been a significant factor in their ongoing winless streak.

Portsmouth, while buoyed by their recent resurgence, have still only managed one away win this season. Their cautious approach, combined with Derby’s defensive inconsistencies, points to a game where both sides cancel each other out. Notably, the last two meetings between these teams at Pride Park have ended 1-1, further reinforcing the likelihood of this scoreline repeating itself.

A 1-1 draw reflects the current strengths and weaknesses of both squads and ties in seamlessly with the earlier prediction of both teams scoring. It would also extend Portsmouth’s unbeaten run to five matches while maintaining Derby’s frustrating inability to secure a home win.

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