Derby County boss Paul Warne has been discussing the League One promotion picture before his side face Portsmouth.
The League One promotion race is nearing its climax, with teams clamouring for the top two places in the division. Portsmouth and Derby County currently hold the advantage in those spaces, but they face each other in a huge clash next up.
It opens up an opportunity for the likes of Bolton, Barnsley and Peterborough to put themselves back in the frame, following some disappointing results. That becomes even clearer due to the scheduling of the fixtures.
All three chasing teams play on Easter Monday, while the top two will clash on the following day in front of the TV cameras. With the Rams not featuring, it means all eyes will be on those that are playing elsewhere.
Derby County rival fixtures
So with Derby on their travels to the south coast, their rivals are in action with some big clashes. Barnsley are away at Burton Albion, Peteborough are away at Leyton Orient and Bolton host Reading on the Monday.
Paul Warne on League One promotion rivals
Derby boss Paul Warne has discussed whether he and his team will be keeping an eye on the scores heading to Portsmouth. He told BBC Radio Derby: “I won’t have scores coming through on the bus.”
“No I won’t, I’ve told the lads I can’t bear it. I just think that, if you sit there, and this is me being honest, if you sit there from three o’clock until five o’clock and every now and again the bus goes ‘oooh’ or ‘wahey’ it’s just nervous energy.
“They’ll look at their phones, they can do what they like, I don’t want to see anything until five o’clock.”
The League One run-in
For Derby, the key is keeping the final few games in their own hands and ensuring that it’s their job to get themselves over the line. Unwanted distractions could impact that, hence the decision from Warne, which could display his promotion experience once again for the Rams.
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