Derby County welcome Portsmouth to Pride Park in a clash between two sides who were promoted together from League One last season. The Rams are eyeing a play-off push, while Pompey are battling relegation.
The state of play
Derby sit 12th in the Championship with 30 points from 21 matches, just four points adrift of the top six. After a run of one win in five games, John Eustace's side returned to winning ways emphatically on Monday night with a 3-0 triumph over crisis-hit Sheffield Wednesday.
Patrick Agyemang scored twice, either side of Liam Thompson's first Championship goal, as Derby cruised to victory at Hillsborough. The Rams will hope that performance can spark a sustained push towards the play-offs over the festive period.
Portsmouth are in deep trouble, sitting 21st with just 20 points from 20 matches, one point above the drop zone. John Mousinho's side had lost seven of their last 10 Championship games before snatching a crucial 2-1 win over Blackburn Rovers last weekend.
Goals from Callum Lang and Ibane Bowat provided a lifeline, but there are growing concerns that Pompey did not receive the investment required to kick on after promotion.
Team news
Derby will likely stick with a similar lineup after Monday's impressive display. Agyemang has stepped up effectively in the absence of Carlton Morris, and his physicality could cause problems for the Pompey defence.
Portsmouth will rely on Colby Bishop to lead the line. Despite their struggles, Bishop remains the most likely source of a goal, frequently involved in shots on target and key attacking moves.
Head-to-head
Derby have dominated this fixture historically. Their 4-0 home win last season stands out, while the teams also met five times in League One and Championship recently with Derby winning once and the other four ending in draws (including three 2-2 scorelines).
Prediction
Derby's confidence will be sky-high after Monday's win, while Portsmouth's away form is a major concern. The Rams should have too much for a struggling Pompey side, though goals at both ends are likely.
Prediction: Derby 2-1 Portsmouth
