Derby vs Portsmouth Predictions

• Derby have won just one of their last 11 matches
• Nine of the Rams’ last 13 games have featured fewer than three goals
• Both teams have scored in seven of Portsmouth’s last nine away games

Promoted pair finding life tough

Both Portsmouth and Derby have had their difficulties since gaining their places back in the Championship and it is difficult to have much faith in either side coming out on top of their clash at Pride Park on Friday.

The visitors have shown a bit of mettle in the last few weeks and head to the East Midlands and are unbeaten in their last four games, but a 2-1 success at Coventry remains the only victory they have mustered on the road since coming up from League One.

Bishop’s return a big boost for Pompey

The south coast outfit will be encouraged by the fact Derby are finding life almost as difficult and John Mousinho’s team can at least call upon star striker Colby Bishop again after a long period on the sidelines.

The Rams won their opening three home league games of the season but have triumphed in just one of their six Pride Park outings since.

Paul Warne’s side remain vulnerable and there looks a strong chance both teams will score, which has happened in seven of Portsmouth’s last nine away games and five of Derby’s last six on their own patch.

That looks the most tempting course of action and, with nine of the Rams’ last 13 featuring fewer than three goals, a 1-1 draw may be of interest to correct-score enthusiasts.

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