Derby County v Portsmouth: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Portsmouth have moved themselves out of the Championship relegation zone and will be hoping to build on that when they visit Derby on Friday evening.

John Mousinho’s side were League One champions last season and are starting to look more comfortable in second tier surroundings.

However, they have an important period coming up with three of their next four fixtures taking place away from Fratton Park.

Derby started the season well, but they have not won since the November break.

Paul Warne’s side did show plenty of resilience on Tuesday when earning a 0-0 draw at promotion-chasing Burnley.

Derby County v Portsmouth betting tips and predictions

Draw - 12/5

Portsmouth have put together a four-game unbeaten run for the first time this season and they can hold Derby to a draw in front of the TV cameras.

Adjusting to Championship football did not come easily for Pompey, who failed to win any of their opening nine matches.

They finally made a breakthrough with a 2-1 victory away to QPR and have looked a more accomplished side over the last two months.

However, Mousinho’s outfit have only won one of their nine Championship away games and they will have plenty of respect for Derby, who sit four points above them in 17th place.

The Rams have registered four of their five victories on home turf, although their most recent Pride Park success was over two months ago when they triumphed 2-0 over QPR.

Derby have gone six games without a victory, although they demonstrated a competitive edge at Burnley on Tuesday by digging out a creditable goalless draw.

Defensive qualities were key to frustrating the Clarets, but Derby will be expected to deliver a more front foot performance against Pompey as they seek to claim a vital three points.

Dead-ball situations have been key for the hosts, who have scored 11 of their 22 goals from corners and free-kicks.

However, they have struggled to carve out chances from open play and a lack of guile could play into the hands of Portsmouth, who can earn a second draw in four days.

Colby Bishop to score any time - 11/4

Portsmouth had to deal with a number of injuries in the early part of the season and one of the biggest blows was the loss of offensive talisman Colby Bishop, who had to undergo heart surgery after an issue was diagnosed in the early stages of pre-season.

Bishop was sorely missed, but he returned to the side just over a month ago and has helped his team enjoy their best spell of the campaign.

The 30-year-old came off the bench to score a penalty in last month’s 3-1 victory at home to Preston and opened the scoring in last Saturday’s 3-0 triumph at home to Bristol City.

He seems to be loving life in the Championship and looks an overpriced 11/4 option to increase his goal tally.

Ebou Adams to be carded - 11/4

The midfield area is likely to be fiercely contested and Derby’s Ebou Adams is sure to be in the thick of the action.

Adams has already served a one-match ban due to yellow card accumulation and further suspensions cannot be ruled out as the season progresses.

He is second on the Championship foul count with 39 and looks a tempting 11/4 wager to receive a sixth caution of the campaign.

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Derby County v Portsmouth odds

Derby County - 9/10
Draw - 12/5
Portsmouth - 10/3

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.