SkyBet: South Yorkshire derby to end in stalemate without Sharp

Pompey know they are going to be relegated after their nine-point deduction was ratified by the Premier League in midweek and, of course, they have an

FA Cup semi-final at Wembley to focus their minds on.

Hull played well in their narrow defeat to Arsenal last Saturday, but their form at the KC Stadium has not been the problem while the appointment of Iain Dowie, whose last successful job was six years ago, is not seen by all as inspiring.

After back-to-back wins against Derby County and Peterborough, Doncaster Rovers find themselves challenging for the Championship play-offs.

One of the teams standing in their way is Sheffield United, who visit the Keepmoat Stadium today. United's away form is wretched and I would advise backing Rovers to win if it was not for the fact that their top scorer Billy Sharp, on loan from the Blades, is ineligible.

Victory will be much harder to come by without him and I can see Kevin Blackwell's men ending their dismal away run with a draw.

Barnsley secured another impressive win in the week, but it remains inconceivable that they could force their way into the top six.

Ipswich Town may be five places and five points beneath them in the table but Roy Keane's side have not lost at Portman Road since September – a run of 13 games – and have not conceded in their last three at home.

Despite eye-catching wins at Preston and Cardiff, Barnsley have lost six of the last eight on the road and another defeat looks to be on the cards here.

Sheffield Wednesday showed great spirit to draw from 2-0 down at Preston and they have done okay in a run of tough fixtures, so they might be worth a punt at 5-4 at home to Derby, who have a poor away record.

With Leeds not in action until their crucial game against Millwall on Monday night, Huddersfield take centre stage in League One as they go to Leyton Orient needing a win to get back in touch with the play-off places.

This is a tough fixture, though, as the Londoners are unbeaten in six at Brisbane Road and recently held Leeds 1-1.

There are never many goals in Orient's games, and this should be no exception.

It is four wins in six games now for Bradford City and there are signs that they can put in a strong finish under Peter Taylor.

They certainly have an excellent opportunity to earn another three points at Hereford, whose recent poor form has led to the departure of manager John Trewick.

Hereford have lost six of their last seven matches, including the last three. James Hanson is back in form for City with three goals in five and should be backed to get on the scoresheet.

Rotherham's opponents Bury are without top scorer Ryan Lowe through suspension and may well struggle for goals. A tight game is in prospect and backing 'No Goalscorer' is recommended.

Best bets

n Doncaster v Sheffield United – Draw.

n Ipswich to beat Barnsley and Correct Score 1-0.

n Sheffield Wednesday to beat Derby.

n Leyton Orient v Huddersfield – Under 2.5 Goals.

n Bradford to beat Hereford and James Hanson to score.

n Rotherham v Bury – Under 2.5 Goals.