Portsmouth vs. Rotherham Predictions: A close game expected on the south coast

It’s an important game for the visitors Rotherham on Tuesday night, as they look to put an end to their poor form, and move closer to returning to the Championship.

Rotherham come into this League One game in a dismal run of form, having won just one in their last six. With five points collected in that time, Rotherham sit in third in the table, although a win would push them back above MK Dons into second place. Paul Warne’s side have two games in hand on the side above them, but they’ll be keen to ensure there’s no more slip ups, like the 1-0 defeat at home to Charlton on Saturday.

Portsmouth come into this game in an interesting situation, seemingly too far away from the playoff places to have a late season charge towards the Championship. Danny Cowley’s side are five games without a win, but their home form of late has proved a bright spark, collecting 14 points from the last six games at Fratton Park.

As ever, we’ve previewed the game, and put together two tips to go with it.

For the home side, they’ve recorded three draws in their last five games, although this pick has only landed in one of them. Overall, BTTS has landed in 47% of their League One games this campaign, but as previously mentioned, they’re coming into this game with good form behind them when at Fratton Park.

Rotherham rank as one of the lowest sides in the league for BTTS when it comes to playing away from home, with just 10.5% of their games ending with both teams finding the net. However, with the importance of the game for the visitors, they simply have to get a win here, meaning it could end up being more open than perhaps both managers would prefer. 

Backing just the draw at 23/10 tempted me here, but we’ve gone for the match result and BTTS to add a bit more value.

Chiedozie Ogbene has come into a rich vein of form in recent times, and could be key to getting his sides’ automatic promotion hopes back on track here. Three goals in his last six games, the right midfielder has been key for club and country, with a man of the match performance against Lincoln, as well as helping his side beat Sutton in the final of the EFL Trophy, and who can forget his fantastic overhead kick against Belgium for Ireland.

Ogbene could be playing in the Championship next season whatever happens, but Rotherham will be hoping that his form leads them there. 

Good luck if you’re following any of these selections, and please gamble responsibly.