Derby vs Portsmouth: Predictions, Betting odds, Lineups, Preview

Explore Coral's detailed preview for Derby vs Portsmouth in the Championship. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 15:00 GMT match.

• Fixture: Derby vs Portsmouth
• Date: Saturday, 20 December 2025
• Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
• Venue: Pride Park

Derby's recent form has been inconsistent, with a draw against Millwall, two wins and two losses in recent games. However, their predicted lineup suggests a return to a 3-4-1-2 formation that could provide stability at the back and allow their attacking trio of Weimann, Agyemang, and Diaz to exploit spaces. Portsmouth, on the other hand, have had a mixed bag of results, with a notable win against Blackburn but three losses in their recent outings. Their 4-2-3-1 formation should offer a solid defensive structure, but they'll need to be wary of Derby's attacking threats.

The match could be closely contested, with both teams looking to assert dominance early on. Derby's home advantage might play a role, but Portsmouth's recent win could give them the confidence to push forward. The key battles in midfield and defence will likely determine the outcome, with Derby's Diaz and Portsmouth's Dozzell potentially being the difference-makers.

Match Prediction: Derby 2-1 Portsmouth

Derby's recent form has been up and down, with a great win against Sheffield Wednesday in their latest match. Before that, they suffered losses against Leicester and Middlesbrough, which might have dented their confidence. However, a win against Swansea earlier in their run shows they are capable of turning things around. This inconsistency could make them unpredictable but also potentially dangerous if they can harness their attacking prowess.

Recent Championship Results:

• Win: 3-0 vs Sheff Wed (A)

• Draw: 1-1 vs Millwall (H)

• Loss: 1-3 vs Leicester (H)

• Loss: 1-2 vs Middlesbrough (A)

• Win: 2-1 vs Swansea (A)

Portsmouth have had a mixed run of form recently, with a notable win against Blackburn in their latest match. Prior to that, they experienced losses to Swansea, Bristol City, and Sheffield United. This suggests a team that can be resilient but also vulnerable at times. Their recent win could provide a boost in confidence as they head into this match against Derby.

Recent Championship Results:

• Win: 2-1 vs Blackburn (H)

• Loss: 0-1 vs Swansea (A)

• Loss: 0-1 vs Bristol City (H)

• Loss: 0-3 vs Sheffield Utd (A)

• Win: 3-1 vs Millwall (H)

The head-to-head record between Derby and Portsmouth shows an interesting rivalry. The most recent Championship encounter on 12 April 2025 ended in a 2-2 draw, while Derby secured a convincing 4-0 victory in their home fixture on 13 December 2024. This could be another high-scoring match, and it could easily go either way.

Recent Championship Results

• Portsmouth 2-2 Derby (12 Apr 2025)

• Derby 4-0 Portsmouth (13 Dec 2024)

• Carlton Morris (Knee) – Out

• David Ozoh (Thigh) – Doubt

• Max Johnston (Hamstring) – Doubt

• Lewis Travis (Calf) – Doubt

• Owen Beck (Hamstring) - Out

• Hayden Matthews (Muscle) – Doubt

• Josh Knight (Back) – Doubt

• Regan Poole (Ankle) - Doubt

• Connor Ogilvie (Knee) – Out

• Jacob Farrell (Groin) – Doubt

• Franco Umeh (Leg) – Doubt

• Thomas Waddingham (Hip) – Doubt

• Conor Shaughnessy (Hamstring) – Doubt

• Predicted lineup: Zetterstrom (GK), Clarke (DF), Sanderson (DF), Langas (DF), Ward (MF), Thompson (MF), Clark (MF), Elder (MF), Weimann (MF), Agyemang (AT), Diaz (AT)

Derby's predicted 3-4-1-2 formation should provide a solid defensive base with Langas, Sanderson, and Clarke at the back. This setup allows Ward and Elder to push forward from midfield, supporting the attacking trio of Weimann, Agyemang, and Diaz, who will look to exploit any gaps in Portsmouth's defence.

• Predicted lineup: Schmid (GK), Devlin (DF), Matthews (DF), Bowat (DF), Swanson (DF), Swift (MF), Dozzell (MF), Yang (MF), Chaplin (MF), Murphy (MF), Lang (AT)

Portsmouth's predicted 4-2-3-1 formation should offer a balanced approach, with Devlin, Matthews, Bowat, and Swanson forming a strong defensive line. The midfield duo of Swift and Dozzell will be crucial in controlling the game's tempo, while Yang, Chaplin, and Murphy will look to create chances for Lang up front.

• Weimann vs Devlin: Weimann's pace and movement will test Devlin's defensive capabilities.

• Ward vs Murphy: Ward's midfield control will be challenged by Murphy's creativity and flair.

• Diaz (Derby): Diaz's goal-scoring ability could be the key to unlocking Portsmouth's defence.

• Dozzell (Portsmouth): Dozzell's composure and passing range will be vital in dictating the flow of the game.

Derby vs Portsmouth at 15:00 GMT on Saturday, 20 December 2025 isn't being broadcast live for viewers in the UK

Coral is predicting that the score will be Derby 2-1 Portsmouth in this match

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