Preview: Portsmouth vs. Derby County - prediction, team news, lineups

Pompey have drawn all of their last three league games by a 1-1 scoreline, while Derby have won both of their previous two matches in all competitions.

Match preview

Portsmouth have drawn five of their last eight league matches, while they have only managed to win one game in that period.

Although they are currently unbeaten in their previous six games in all competitions, they have played out three consecutive 1-1 draws in League One.

In their most recent encounter, Colby Bishop's second half strike ensured their away meeting with Morecambe finished all square after Liam Shaw had opened the scoring in the 36th minute.

As a result of the point, Portsmouth head into Friday's encounter in fifth position, although only goal difference separates them from Derby and Bolton Wanderers, who sit in sixth and seventh place respectively.

After drawing their last four home league games, Danny Cowley's side will be targeting their first home victory in League One since September 3.

Meanwhile, Derby will be looking to round off what has been a successful week with a third consecutive win in all competitions.

After recording a 3-1 victory over MK Dons last weekend, the Rams cruised to a 5-0 victory in their first round replay with Torquay in midweek.

A Mark Ellis own goal opened the scoring before Will Osula, Liam Thompson, Lewis Dobbin and David McGoldrick all found the net to secure Derby's passage to the second round.

Paul Warne's side will now turn their attention to Friday's contest, where they have the chance to extend their unbeaten league run to five matches.

They have also proven to be a tough team to beat on their travels after losing only one of their previous five away games in League One.

Portsmouth League One form:

D

L

W

D

D

D

Portsmouth form (all competitions):

W

D

D

W

W

D

Derby County League One form:

W

L

D

W

D

W

Derby County form (all competitions):

W

D

D

D

W

W

Team News

Portsmouth are expected to be without the services of Joe Rafferty, Jayden Reid and Louis Thompson due to injury issues.

Tom Lowery could also be sidelined after missing the 1-1 draw against Morecambe, while Joe Morrell has been included in the Wales squad for the World Cup.

Clark Robertson is a doubt after being forced off at half time last weekend, and if he is unable to feature on Friday then Denver Hume could be presented with a place in the starting lineup.

As for Derby, they will be unable to call upon Curtis Davies and James Chester, while Jason Knight is also set to miss out through injury.

Eiran Cashin missed last Saturday's win over MK Dons through suspension, but he is expected to feature on Friday after returning to the starting lineup against Torquay.

James Collins will be looking to add to his six-goal tally for the season when he leads the lead against Portsmouth.

Portsmouth possible starting lineup:

Griffiths; Swanson, Raggett, Ogilvie, Hume; Dale, Tunnicliffe, Pack, Koroma; Bishop, Scarlett

Derby County possible starting lineup:

Wildsmith; Smith, Cashin, Forsyth, Roberts, Sibley; Mendez-Laing, Hourihane, Bird, Dobbin; Collins

We say: Portsmouth 2-2 Derby County

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