Take a look at Derby County’s fixture run-in compared to their rivals in the hunt for promotion from League One.
The race for promotion from League One continues to take twists and turns at every possible avenue. As far as how that impacts Derby County‘s hopes of a Championship return, it’s been a mixed bag.
The Rams have managed to grab results since the turn of the new year, despite some tough performances. However, defeat to promotion rivals Barnsley dealt a huge blow to their chances, which was only emphasised in the loss to Charlton the following match.
Paul Warne will be looking to arrest any downturn in form, especially with how tight the division is. With games in hand set to play a huge role in the coming weeks, it could make for an interesting run-in to follow.
With that said, here’s a look at the next five Derby fixtures and how they compare to the rest of the promotion chasers.
Derby County fixtures
Port Vale (H) – March 2
Next up for the Rams is a clash against relegation strugglers Port Vale at Pride Park. Former Derby player Darren Moore will lead his new side into the match with the team 22nd in the division and four points away from safety.
Their most recent result came as a 2-2 draw against fellow drop zone battlers Fleetwood Town, where Port Vale surrendered a two-goal lead.
League position: 22nd.
Current form: Zero wins, two draws, three defeats.
Previous meeting: Port Vale 0-1 Derby County – 28 November, 2023.
Bristol Rovers (A) – March 9
A trip to the Memorial Stadium follows as Derby prepare for another tough clash away from home. Ex-striker Chris Martin has impressed for The Gas this season, despite the side sitting in mid-table and clear of both relegation and the playoff chase.
League position: 12th.
Current form: Two wins, zero draws, three defeats.
Previous meeting: Derby County 2-1 Bristol Rovers – 25 November, 2023.
Reading (H) – March 12
The games come thick and fast for Derby as they then host Reading in a midweek clash under the lights at Pride Park. The Royals have been struggling with ownership issues and points deductions that find them in a relegation scrap, but with form that has seen them push for survival.
League position: 20th.
Current form: Two wins, one draws, two defeats.
Previous meeting: Reading 1-0 Derby County – 23 January, 2024.
Bolton (H) – March 16
The League One promotion race may come down to some of the head-to-head clashes ahead for the teams involved. One of those comes in mid-March as Derby host Bolton Wanderers in a massive match at the top.
Both teams have struggled to push on and claim second for themselves in recent weeks, with a tense six-pointer on the horizon.
League position: 3rd.
Current form: Two wins, one draw, two defeats.
Previous meeting: Bolton Wanderers 2-1 Derby County – 2 September, 2023.
Northampton (A) – March 23
Rounding off the next set of five fixtures is a trip to Sixfields Stadium to take on Northampton Town. There’s a chance this match could be rearranged, depending on international call-ups over the next few weeks.
However, should it go ahead, it will be a tough match against a team that have moved comfortably clear of relegation.
League position: 11th.
Current form: Two wins, two draws, one defeat.
Previous meeting: Derby County 4-0 Northampton Town – 31 October, 2023.
Average opposition league position: 14th.
With the promotion race in the balance, the next run of fixtures will be crucial for Derby to bounce back from successive defeats. A majority of home games may turn out favourable, especially when facing promotion rivals Bolton.
Portsmouth fixtures
Oxford United (H) – March 2
Blackpool (A) – March 9
Burton (H) – March 12
Peterborough (A) – March 16
Barnsley (H) – March 23
Current form: Four wins, one draw, zero defeats.
Average opposition league position: 8th.
The next five fixtures appear to be crunch time for Portsmouth to decide if they are promotion material. Pompey have found themselves top of the league, seven points clear and with form that brings the consistency needed from champions.
With clashes against promotion rivals, it’s a chance for them to run away with the division, while others may see it as a chance to close the gap.
Bolton fixtures
Cambridge United (H) – March 2
Barnsley (A) – March 5
Exeter City (A) – March 9
Oxford United (H) – March 12
Derby County (A) – March 16
Current form: Two wins, one draw, two defeats.
Average opposition league position: 9th.
Bolton Wanderers have hit a difficult patch of form at the same time as Derby, with neither team able to stake a claim to second spot as their own. Ian Evatt has a tough spell ahead too, with five games played in a two week period.
Clashes with promotion rivals Barnsley, Oxford and Derby will prove to be big games, while there will be questions over fatigue throughout.
Barnsley fixtures
Wycombe (A) – March 2
Bolton (H) – March 5
Lincoln City (H) – March 9
Carlisle (A) – March 12
Cheltenham (H) – March 16
Current form: Three wins, two draws, zero defeats.
Average opposition league position: 14th.
Recent form has seen Barnsley move back within contention for a top two place this season. The Tykes have a congested fixture schedule, including a huge game against Bolton Wanderers, but otherwise look clear to add more points to their tally in the coming weeks.
Peterborough fixtures
Exeter City (H) – March 2
Northampton Town (H) – March 5
Burton Albion (A) – March 9
Stevenage (A) – March 13
Portsmouth (H) – March 16
Current form: One win, zero draws, four defeats.
Average opposition league position: 10th.
Peterborough United have been in dismal form as of late, and yet they could still find themselves pushing for a top two space. Inconsistency at the top has opened the chance to be in the mix once again, with a run that includes some favourable ties before clashes with Stevenage and Portsmouth.
Our verdict
March brings about a huge few weeks in the challenge for a promotion place in League One. Portsmouth, by far, have the hardest run coming but with the knowledge that coming through unscathed will put them in touching distance of promotion.
Given the fact that Pompey play so many of Derby’s promotion rivals, it may be worth them running away with the league and keeping second wide open. Bolton themselves have a tough run that will put their credentials to the test.
The Rams have a fixture list that features a mix of opponents, with the Bolton clash being one that sticks out. Barnsley are one to look out for, given a favourable run of games around their match with Bolton themselves.
Then there’s Peterborough, who will be looking to return to winning ways before facing the likes of Stevenage and Portsmouth.