Portsmouth vs Derby County: Confirmed Line-Ups – Championship 2026
Derby County will be without first-choice goalkeepers Jacob Widell Zetterstrom and Josh Vickers for tonight’s night Championship clash against Portsmouth at Fratton Park. Head Coach John Eustace has confirmed that veteran Richard O’Donnell will start in goal, with Vickers ruled out for six to eight weeks due to a groin injury sustained during last Tuesday’s defeat at Millwall.
The injury to Vickers adds to a growing list of absentees for the Rams, including Danny Batth, Sondre Langås, Max Johnston, Callum Elder, Lars-Jørgen Salvesen, and Liam Thompson. Despite the goalkeeping crisis, Eustace has stated the club cannot pursue an emergency loan signing, as regulations require a complete absence of senior keepers to qualify.
Eustace has made two changes to the side that lost 1-0 at Millwall. Alongside O’Donnell’s inclusion, midfielder Bobby Clark comes into the starting eleven, earning his 37th Championship appearance of the season. The Rams will glance to close the gap on sixth-placed Wrexham, though they will have played a game more.
Derby’s attack will be led by Patrick Agyemang, Rhian Brewster, and Ben Brereton Díaz. Joe Ward will feature at right-back, marking his 300th appearance in the EFL since joining Peterborough United in 2018.
The Rams face a Portsmouth side currently embroiled in a relegation battle. Following recent results, John Mousinho’s team are just one point clear of the drop zone, making this a crucial fixture for both clubs. Portsmouth will be hoping to capitalize on Derby’s goalkeeping woes and secure a vital three points in their fight for survival.
Team Line-ups:
Portsmouth: Schmid (GK), Ogilvie, Poole, Pack (C), Swanson, Devlin, Alli, Chaplin, Adams, Brown, Caballero.
Substitutes: Bursik (GK), Williams, Shaughnessy, Swift, Bishop, Segecic, Le Roux, Kirk, Dia.
Derby County: O’Donnell (GK), Murkin, Clarke, Agyemang, Brewster, Szmodics, Ward, Brereton Díaz, Travis (C), Sanderson, Clark.
Substitutes: J Thompson (GK), Forsyth, Morris, Ozoh, Fraulo, Banel, I Gordon, Canoville, Allen.
Eustace’s previous disciplinary issues will also impact the team tonight, as the Derby County boss will serve a one-match touchline ban after receiving his third booking of the season at Millwall. Matt Gardiner and Keith Downing will take charge from the dugout.
This represents not the first time Eustace has faced a touchline ban. He was previously suspended during his time at Birmingham City in May 2023 and fined for an incident while head coach at Blackburn Rovers in April 2024, demonstrating a pattern of passionate engagement with officials.
The match at Fratton Park represents a significant test for Derby County, not only due to the challenging opposition and injury concerns but also the absence of their manager from the touchline. The Rams will need to overcome these obstacles if they are to maintain their play-off push and secure a Championship spot next season.
The game promises to be a tense affair, with both teams having much to play for. Derby will be aiming to capitalize on their attacking talent, while Portsmouth will be desperate to secure a victory that could prove crucial in their relegation battle. The outcome of this match could have significant implications for both teams’ respective seasons.