Portsmouth still sit at the top of League One, heading into the latter stages of the 2023/24 season.
It’s been a largely faultless campaign for John Mousinho’s side, with just four league defeats during the campaign.
The Blues find themselves seven points clear at the summit, having played the most games out of any promotion-chasing side.
Nevertheless, the 11 remaining fixtures present the best opportunity for promotion since the Blues returned to the third tier in 2017.
And now, even a former Southampton midfielder has backed Pompey to get over the line.
Carlton Palmer backs Portsmouth to win League One
Talking to Football League World, Carlton Palmer has recently praised Pompey’s “fantastic” season.
“Portsmouth have had a fantastic season so far, and they’re the form team without doubt,” he said.
“Four wins, two draws in their last six games, on 73 points.
“Although Derby County have a game in hand on Portsmouth, and Bolton have two games.
“Should Bolton win their two games in hand, that would put them on 72 points, so they would only be a point behind Portsmouth.”
Despite Bolton’s games in hand, Palmer believes Mousinho’s side will get the job done in their remaining fixtures.
“But I believe that Portsmouth will go on to win the Sky Bet League One title,” he added
“I said all along that Derby County would go up in second place, so I am still going to stick with that.
“Yet, I think Derby, four wins, one draw, one defeat in their last six games, [had a] disappointing result for them away at Barnsley at the weekend, but I still believe Portsmouth and Derby will go up.
“And then, I think it will be between Bolton Wanderers and Barnsley, and that’s a tough one to call.
“But I will go with three teams, Portsmouth, Derby automatic and Bolton will be the third team to go up, via the play-off.”
One game at a time for Portsmouth
Mousinho’s side need to take each week as it comes.
The 0-0 draw against Charlton was frustrating, but the Blues’ weekend turned out to be largely positive due to Bolton and Derby losing.
All eyes will now turn to the midweek fixtures, with Bolton making the short trip to Wigan Athletic and Derby hosting a resurgent Charlton.
The Addicks have improved in recent weeks and were excellent value during their draw on Saturday.
With Derby coming off of a disappointing loss to Barnsley, there’s undoubtedly an opportunity for Nathan Jones’ side to cause an upset.