ENG. CHAMPIONSHIP BETTING PICK - DERBY COUNTY V PORTSMOUTH

Eng. Championship

2011-10-29 - Derby County vs Portsmouth

A Sports Betting Pick by ArmchairPunter

DERBY COUNTY v PORTSMOUTH
Football – England – Championship
Saturday 29th October 2011 – Kickoff: 1500hrs

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Derby County host Portsmouth at Pride Park on Saturday knowing all three points could lift them into fourth spot depending on other results.

Derby County

Derby currently occupy the last remaining spot in the top six following an unbeaten run at home of three matches, whilst losing on home turf just once this season which was a 1-2 loss to Burnley. To be honest, the Rams have been a little inconsistent of late, but will welcome a home fixture against a Portsmouth side who have yet to win an away match this term.

Derby’s home record stands at 3-2-1 11/5, with only Birmingham (1), Southampton and Millwall (4 each) conceding fewer at home. The Rams have gained wins over Birmingham City 2-1, Doncaster Rovers 3-0 and Millwall 3-0, whilst taking points off Barnsley and more impressively, flying Southampton 1-1.

Midfielder Steve Davies (5 goals) is their leading scorer, but it’s unclear whether he’ll face Portsmouth at the weekend. Theo Robinson (3 goals) will almost certainly feature, along with chief provider Ben Davies (1 goal, 8 assists) and forward Jamie Ward (1 goal, 1 assist).

It’s also worth noting that Derby have lost to Portsmouth just once in their last five meetings at Derby, and manager Nigel Clough will be keen for his side to get back to winning ways following a run of five matches without a win.

Portsmouth

Caretaker-managers Stuart Gray and Guy Whittingham take their Portsmouth side up to Pride Park where they will attempt to record their first away win of the season.

Since Steve Cotterill’s departure to Nottingham Forest these two stand-ins have guided Pompey to two successive wins at home against Barnsley 2-0 and Doncaster Rovers 3-1, but it’s their away form that has been a real cause for concern.

Portsmouth’s record on the road stands at a miserable 0-2-4 5/9, but what is encouraging is the move from left wing to striker for Luke Varney (5 goals) as he’s scored 3 goals in the last 3 matches since switching position. His partnership up front with Dave Kitson (2 goals) is beginning to blossom, along with former Ipswich Town midfielder David Norris (3 goals, 2 assists) linking up well.

But it’s at the back where Portsmouth have struggled and have lost by the one goal margin as they’ve failed to keep a clean sheet only once in their six road trips so far (0-0 at Bristol City).

The Betting Verdict :

The green shoots of recovery for Portsmouth can be seen, but I feel it’s another match or two before we see them kick-start their season, particularly against a Derby side who have shown solid form at home.

Derby to win 2-1, but again will cover with the round ball asian handicap.

The Pick :

BEST BETTING TIP :

Value Pick :
Consider Derby County to win @ 2.50