This Week's Opposition: Derby County

Pompey’s Play-Off dreams came to an end last time out and they now prepare to enter their 7th season in League One. 2 games remain this season however… Derby County are up next!

Last Saturday’s 1-0 win over Accrington Stanley at Fratton Park proved too little, too late for the Blues, who can now no longer mathematically reach the top 6.

Pride Park is the venue for Pompey’s penultimate game of the season.

MANAGER

Derby County are currently managed by Norwich supporter Paul Warne.

The ex-midfielder started playing non-league football for Great Yarmouth Town before moving onto Diss Town, where he won the FA Vase in 1994.

After playing for Wroxham he began his professional career at the age of 23 when he signed for Wigan Athletic. 

Throughout his pro career, he also played for Rotherham United, Oldham Athletic and Yeovil Town.

Warne first started his managerial adventure in 2012 at Rotherham, where he was granted a testimonial for giving the club many years of service as a player, coach and joint-caretaker manager.

Shortly after Liam Rosenior was relieved of his duties, Paul Warne was officially announced by Derby as their new head coach on a 4-year deal earlier in the season.

ONE TO WATCH

31- year-old Nathaniel Mendez-Laing is our one to watch this week.

Throughout his career, the winger has played for Peterborough United, Rochdale, Cardiff City, Middlesbrough and Sheffield Wednesday.

He also made 8 appearances on loan at Pompey in 2012.

Mendez-Laing joined The Rams on a 2-year deal in July 2022 and scored his first goal in a win against Barnsley at the beginning of the season.

The winger has played 42 out of 44 games so far this campaign and has scored 7 goals across all competitions. 

TOP SCORER

David McGoldrick is the top goalscorer for the side this term.

The former Ipswich and Sheffield United player signed for The Rams this season on just a 1 year contract. 

In October against Bristol Rovers at Pride Park, McGoldrick scored a first-half hat-trick to help his side to a 4-2 win, which secured Paul Warne’s first home victory as manager of the club.

He went on to score his second hat-trick of the season against Forest Green Rovers in a 4-0 victory at Pride Park and claimed a third in February in a 5-0 win over Morecambe. 

McGoldrick was awarded the League One Player of the Month in February after scoring 6 goals and providing 3 assists. 

Striker David McGoldrick, who wears the number 10 shirt for Derby, has scored 25 goals this campaign - 22 in the League, 2 in The FA Cup and 1 in the Papa John’s Trophy.

CURRENT FORM

Paul Warne’s side have secured a total of 21 wins out of 44 games played this season with 12 draws and 11 defeats.

They are currently sat in 6th position following a 1-0 win at home to Burton last time out - A result which officially condemned Pompey to another year in the third tier.

They sit only 2 points clear of Peterborough in 7th, who lost 3-0 at home to Ipswich Town last weekend.

In their last 5 games, Derby have won 3 and drawn 2.

The Rams were relegated from the Championship last season after finishing in 23rd.

Could Derby soon be entering their second season in League One?

How will John Mousinho pick the starting XI against potential promotion material Derby County?

Can Pompey end the campaign at least with a bit of pride?

All of the unmissable action will be right here on 93.7 Express FM when Pompey Live returns this Saturday from 2pm with Robbie James, Jake Smith and Jay Sadler providing all of the action from Pride Park!