Portsmouth’s chances of winning the League One title this season have been boosted even further, with Derby County being held to a 0-0 draw with Wycombe Wanderers.
Although the result does take the Rams one point closer to the league leaders, it’s a missed opportunity for Paul Warne’s side, who look to have all but handed Portsmouth the title as a result. With so few games left in the season, it now looks as if only a miracle can stop John Mousinho’s side from lifting the title on the way to the Championship.
It was an incredibly flat performance from Derby who failed to register a single shot on target. Prior to the match they would’ve certainly fancied their chances, especially after their opponents suffered late heartbreak at the hands of Peterborough United in the EFL Trophy Final on Sunday. The loss will have certainly knocked the stuffing out of any sort of title charge that the Rams were putting together and it looks as if achieving automatic promotion is now the objective.
In fact, Portsmouth could win the title this weekend if they are able to defeat fellow promotion-chasers Bolton Wanderers. With a game in hand on second-placed Derby and with a seven point gap currently, its’s highly unlikely that the south coasters will be dislodged from the top spot.
A 15-match unbeaten streak is what has really allowed John Mousinho’s side to assert their authority as the best side in League One this season and they’ll be hoping to preserve that streak until the end of the season. Bar a slight wobble over the festive period, Portsmouth have been one of the most consistent sides in the entirety of the EFL.
Although they do have a hard run-in facing ; Bolton, Barnsley, Wigan Athletic and Lincoln City, Pompey are just a single win away from the title and based off of recent form, they’d be expected to win at least one of those last four games.
If able to surpass Bolton on Saturday then the players and fans will be allowed to enjoy the final three games of the season knowing that both promotion to the Championship, as well at the League One title, are all sewn up.
Writer’s View
Portsmouth were already in a very strong position to take the League One table but Derby’s 0-0 draw with Wycombe all but confirms them as champions. They’ve been incredibly dominant this season and the stats back them up as the best team in the league.
Derby’s draw has thrown the race for second wide open once again and both Bolton and Peterborough will be looking to dislodge them from second place. As a result, we may well see Bolton come out all guns blazing in their top of the table clash on Saturday.
Pompey will however be up for it and will be wanting to get the job done, clinching the title against one of their biggest rivals. A strong showing is once again expected and based off of their recent performances, you wouldn’t go against them.
