Portsmouth vs Derby County prediction: expert analysis, possible lineups, March 16, 2026
EFL Championship
In the 38th round of the English Championship on March 16, 2026, Portsmouth will face Derby County. The team fighting for survival needs to beat a solid mid-table opponent.
Portsmouth vs Derby County: Team News and Expert Analysis
The club from "Fratton Park" returned from League 1 in 2024. With 54 points, they finished in a comfortable sixteenth place. But now, in their second season back, as often happens, things have noticeably worsened. At least in February, they managed back-to-back wins over Charlton and Millwall. However, in recent rounds, only against Blackburn did they manage a draw – and they also lost to Swansea in the latest round.
The team from "Pride Park" also played in the Championship last season after a break. It was not easy, and they avoided relegation by just one point over Luton, finishing in nineteenth place. This season, however, they've been able to maintain a positive win-loss ratio, staying in the upper half of the table. Still, losses increased in February. Even after beating Blackburn and Sheffield Wednesday in the last rounds, they lost 0-1 to Millwall.
Bishop and company average about one goal scored per match, conceding 1.31. Eustace's squad has a positive balance: 1.46 goals scored per match and 1.30 conceded.
Previous Matches: Portsmouth vs Derby County
Six of the last seven meetings ended in draws, including both in 2025. Derby won only once, delivering a 4-0 thrashing at the end of 2024.
The hosts are given a slight advantage. But they are inconsistent, so it is worth considering a neutral bet on "total over 2.0 goals" (odds – 1.70).
Portsmouth vs Derby County: Key Stats and Trends
- Portsmouth have lost three of their last four matches
- 53% of Portsmouth's matches end with both teams scoring, with an average total of 2.31 goals per match
- Derby County have lost four of their last seven games
- 68% of Derby County's matches end with both teams scoring, with an average total of 2.76 goals per game
Portsmouth vs Derby County: Probable Starting Lineups
Portsmouth lines up in a 1-4-5-1 formation (probable lineup): Schmid – Swanson, Ogilvie, Poole, Devlin – Adams, Pack, Swift, Ali, Caballero – Bishop. They have a lengthy injury list: Alese, Anderson, Knight, Bianchini, Kosnowski, Umeh, and more.
Derby County also uses a 1-4-5-1 formation (probable lineup): Vickers – Merkin, Forsyth, Clarke, Elder – Travis, Ozo, Clarke, Szmodics, Brereton – Agyemang. They have no fewer squad issues: Butt, Johnston, Salvesen, Thompson.
Place your bets on the upcoming match and follow your team's progress in the English Championship standings
