Derby County’s 2-2 draw with Portsmouth last night has both sets of supporters feeling very content.
The Rams will probably feel a bit disappointed that they couldn’t maintain their advantage at Fratton Park after going up 1-0 and 2-1, but on paper, this was their most challenging game of the year.
In light of this, Derby will be happy with a point as they look to maintain their lead over Bolton Wanderers in the league standings.
| League One Table (1st-3rd) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (As of April 3, 2024) | P | GD | Pts | |
| 1 | Portsmouth | 41 | 33 | 87 |
| 2 | Derby County | 42 | 35 | 82 |
| 3 | Bolton Wanderers | 41 | 31 | 78 |
Easter Monday saw Bolton defeat Reading 5-2, but they still have a chance to earn an automatic promotion spot despite Derby’s draw.
We’ve compared the last games of the season for the top three teams in League One, and it looks like it will be an exciting finale.
Portsmouth
Position: 1st | Played: 41 | Points: 87
Portsmouth faces a challenging but favorable run of fixtures as they aim to secure the league title. Starting with a home match against Shrewsbury Town, Pompey is considered clear favorites to secure a win at Fratton Park. While Shrewsbury is not in immediate danger of relegation, they may not be as motivated for a win as Pompey.
Following the match against Shrewsbury, Portsmouth faces a tough test away at Bolton Wanderers, who have been formidable at home recently. However, with their recent strong performances, including wins against Reading and Oxford United, Portsmouth remains confident in their ability to secure points.
Returning home for their next two matches against Barnsley and Wigan Athletic, Pompey aims to secure maximum points to bolster their position in the league table. With six points as the target from these two matches, Portsmouth looks to maintain their momentum as they face an in-form Lincoln City side in their final fixture.
Considering the strength of their upcoming fixtures, Portsmouth is determined to seal the league title and will aim to capitalize on their favorable matchups to achieve this goal.
Derby County
Position: 2nd | Played: 42 | Points: 82
Derby have one fewer game than their other two automatic promotion rivals.
Their away game at Wycombe Wanderers could be a tough one – but they should come away with the three points from Adams Park.
Considering their upcoming fixtures against Leyton Orient, Cambridge United, and Carlisle United, Derby County appears to have favorable opportunities to secure valuable points. Leyton Orient and Cambridge United are likely to remain in the third tier next season, making these matches winnable for Derby.
However, their most favorable fixture comes on the final day of the campaign against bottom side Carlisle United. With Carlisle facing relegation by that point, Derby has a strong chance of securing a victory.
Given these favorable matchups, Derby County is seen as favorites to secure a top-two place alongside Portsmouth. These upcoming fixtures provide Derby with an excellent opportunity to strengthen their position in the league table and increase their chances of promotion.
Bolton Wanderers
Position: 3rd | Played: 41 | Points: 78
Ian Evatt’s Bolton Wanderers find themselves in a strong position as they push for a top-two finish in the league. Despite the competition from teams like Peterborough United and Barnsley, Bolton’s recent win has bolstered their chances.
Their upcoming fixture against Bristol Rovers presents a favorable opportunity, considering Rovers’ current form. Additionally, back-to-back home games against Shrewsbury Town and Port Vale offer further opportunities for securing valuable points.
However, the challenge intensifies with matches against Portsmouth at home and Peterborough away, both formidable opponents. These fixtures are crucial in determining Bolton’s fate, especially the final away match against Peterborough on the last day of the season.
To maximize their chances of securing a top-two finish, Evatt’s side ideally aims to secure 15 points from the remaining five matches. While this is a significant challenge, especially considering the caliber of opponents they face, it’s crucial for Bolton to strive for maximum points to strengthen their position in the league table.
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