Rams v Rampants

Pompey travel up to the midlands this afternoon hoping to do a quickfire double over Brian Clough's old sides, Derby of course are now managed by Cloghie jnr, and he is doing a job his father would of been proud of.

Pompey are the form side in the division over the last 7 games, Derby however sit pretty in 7th, level with us, but with a superior goal difference by 6.

Steve cotterill has pointed tho this match being pivotal in our season, it will certainly be a great gauge in how far we have come since September, another good result and the play-off spots beckon!

Derby have a few worries, Luke Moore is hamstrung and struggling to feature, while strike partner Bueno has sore ankle is also looking doubtful, Stephen pearson has returned to training but would struggle to complete 90 minutes.

Been around for a while now, he is another of those in this division who score goals from midfield, he has 7 so far and will be one to watch.

Pompey are in a very unfamiliar position, besides Webber and Kilbey, we have a full squad to choose from, it's just up to Cotterill to decide who figures, SC though doesn't tend to change things if they are nicely ticking, so an unchanged squad looks likely.

If Robbie Savage is Derby's wind-up merchant, he will be matched blow by blow by our own combative midfielder, could an interesting contest as these two veterans come up against each other.

Pompey and Derby have come across each other fairly regularly over the years, we were often paired up in the same division, beside that period in the 70's when Derby had a spell in the spotlight, as usual we have lost more than we have won, but 1996 was the last time we did so, if you want a stand out match, look no further than Feb 2003, Pompey winning 6-2 in our triumphant promotion season.

Brian Blessed

The run goes on, but how much further? Place your guess here.

QPR on tuesday then Doncaster next week, all at glorious Fratton!

Vital F1 Prediction League - Join now for Spain