Premiership - Derby vs Portsmouth Football betting preview

Portsmouth comes into this one with a good preseason behind them. Despite the fact that most of their oppositions were non-Premiership class, they have still shown good progress. Their transfer dealings have been fairly decent to say the least, with the likes of Muntari and Distin being the most likely key signings. It is likened to they are forced to win their first game since they meet the Big 4 in their first 6 fixtures of the season. Preseason expectations of a European placing may go up in smoke if they trip over their first hurdle.

A defense comprising of the likes of James, Distin, Campbell, Lauren, Primus and even Stefanovic could have Chelsea drool when they went through their injury crisis. Even though Primus and Stefanovic look likely to miss out, their backup should at least do a satisfactory job.

As for Derby, I am concerned for their lack of significant transfer activity. They head into this match with more or less (likely less, since Barnes is out), the same squad last season. The signings of Davis and Earnshaw should help them to a certain extent but I am not convinced Earnshaw is a Premiership striker. His last adventure in the Premiership yielded just 11 goals in 18 starts and 13 substitute appearances. His partner upfront should be Howard who is getting his first taste of Premiership football, yielded 18 goals in 46 league appearances in the Championship. I sincerely feel they have little to offer in this division. Defensively, I also have my doubts. After all, McEveley, Todd, Griffin, Mears are probably going to be merely bit-part players in the more established clubs. Then finally, Barnes being out is definitely going to affect their midfield as well.

With the circumstance which surrounds Portsmouth fixtures and their preseason form, and the given disparity in class, I would expect Portsmouth to do enough to get off to a winning start for the new season. Portsmouth to win 2-0.

Pick : Portsmouth -0.25
Odds : 2.06
Stake : 8 / 10
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