James Buttler looks ahead to the Friday evening's kick-off in the Championship as The Rams host Pompey and finds the very best bets.
Derby are 16th, four points ahead of 21st placed Portsmouth, but the Rams are spiralling down the division with no wins in six Championship games. Portsmouth haven’t lost in four.
Derby drew 0-0 against Burnley at Turf Moor on Tuesday evening, whereas Pompey also shared the points with a goalless home draw with Norwich City.
Last time the sides met at Fratton Park in April it was a League One encounter that ended 2-2. In fact, the last four H2Hs have ended honours even.
If Derby were to win on Friday it would be their first against Portsmouth since April 2012. The only thing that puts me off backing Portsmouth at an tempting 7/2 is that they haven’t taken all three points in the road in their last four away trips, which has included two draws and two defeats.
Portsmouth come into this clash in the better form, so that 7/2 might be worth a small play, having taken two wins, three draws and only one defeat in their last six league matches.
The draw holds plenty of appeal at a rather bizarre price of 88/35 with William Hill, but there are some stats-based bets that look interesting.
56% of Portsmouth's Championship away games this season have seen both sides score before half time. BTTS is 19/20 and that lengthens to 4/1 for BTTS in the first half. BTTS in both halves is a princely 18/1. All prices quoted are with William Hill.
James’ Championship Tips
The Draw at 88/35
BTTS Yes at 19/20
BTTS in the 1st Half at 4/1
BTTS in both halves at 18/1
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