Paul Warne admitted he "went against everything he believes in" when setting Derby up to stifle and frustrate Carrick's side last week, with County victorious despite having just three shots on goal compared to Boro's 20. Carrick knows that is something Boro will have to get used to this season and is part of parcel of life as a fancied promotion contender. But that doesn't necessarily mean Portsmouth will approach today's game at the Riverside that way.
It's Pompey's first season back in the Championship after a 12-year absence but their first two games suggest they're not going to shut up shop in an effort to survive. READ MORE: John Mousinho's side went toe to toe with Leeds in a thrilling six-goal draw at Elland Road on the opening weekend before enduring frustration similar to Boro's at Derby last weekend. Portsmouth had 15 shots on goal but had to settle for a 0-0 draw at home to Luton, though the Hatters did have their goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski sent off after just half an hour.
Still, two points is a fine return from games against two sides expected to be in the promotion mix. “On paper, it was a really tough start for them but they’ve had two decent results - gone to Leeds and scored three goals, good performance against Luton last week," said Boro boss Carrick. "It’s credit to the manager and the players, coming into a new league and approaching it and attacking it in the way that they have.
"They’ve played in an expansive and attacking manner, putting a lot.