Getting near a must win game

Pompey take on Derby in an attempt to win their first home game since the clocks went back. Last time the sides met they were both in form this time it is the opposite.

The match will be preceded by a minutes applause for Norman Uprichard who died this week. Read this Sunday's Toast for a full obituary and even pictures of Norman in action!

Steve Cotterill said: 'Nothing has changed in my mind to the last time we played Derby.

'I think Nigel (Clough) has done a fantastic job there.

'It's very difficult when you try to get hold of a club in a transitional period, whether it`s the squad or the finances - as I know only too well'.

Carl Dickinson (knee knack) will miss out and another mystery player was described by SC as only 50/50. Rumour has it Joel Ward may be rested.

So many to choose from with Jamie's gaff in midweek and Liam needing to boss games like he used to but I plump for Dave Kitson. Pompey need goals and with Derby leaking them recently big Kits needs to start netting regularly to raise the side and his own confidence.

Dean Leacock is still suspended and fellow defenders Russell Anderson and Jake Buxton are also sidelined. 75 year old Robbie Savage may get back in the side - now the Fratton crowd would love that!

Vital Derby has plumped for Steven Davies who has had an injury ravaged time of it lately. They see him as a key man in halting the slide The Rams are currently suffering. Derby have been playing a lone striker of late and it is obviously is not working. Davies could join Chris Porter up top.

Pompey have not won since Norwich Away and Derby have gone ten games with eight defeats. The sides have met forty times at Fratton with Pompey winning twenty two and the Rams nine. The last time the visitors triumphed was back in 1994/95.

Neil Swarbrick from Preston assisted by C J Berry and A Slaughter
Fourth Official R J Corp

Derby average a goal a game and a point a game on the Road so it must be 1-1!

Disagree? If you have not already made your predictions in the Pompey predictions league on this match do it here.

Doncaster Rovers at the Keepmoat - Pompey's first ever visit.

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