There are a few things swaying me towards the home win here. Firstly, Pompey have their stars back from African Cup Nations duty and can call on a fully fit squad and secondly, Sunderland’s quite awful away record. The Black Cats have the worst away record in the top flight having taken just two points from a possible 33, conceding 32 goals in the process.
It may be fair to say that Portsmouth’s home form has been nothing to shout about with only three victories but it’s a problem that Harry Redknapp is keen to address and this is the perfect opportunity to do so. Also bear in mind that they have faced all the top sides already (at home) When Benjani was sold to Man City I wondered what Redknapp was up to but the arrival of Defoe from Tottenham looks like being a cracking bit of business. Defoe fitted into the team effortlessly on his debut scoring once and could have had a few more also. In that game against Chelsea they looked more than comfortable and could have taken the three points if not for some good saves by Cech and some wayward shooting.
Sunderland are out of the relegation zone for now but as mentioned before have a quite shocking away record. With 7 wins at home it fair to say that their best work comes at the stadium of light and Roy Keane will be determined to get something out of this trip. However with just 2 goals from their last 7 outings on the road it going to take a big big effort and I for one cant see them taking anything from this. They beat Pompey 2 – 0 at home just over a month ago but much has changed since and Portsmouth have a much stronger squad to chose from now.
Verdict
Revenge will be on the minds of Portsmouth and I fully expect them to take three points here and with a bit to spare. I like both teams and I would like to see Sunderland stay up but for now I hope Portsmouth take the three points here and push further towards that place in Europe for next season.
Pompey are 1.7 for the win which looks good but I think that taking them –1 goal on the Asian handicap which is priced at 2.21 @ mansion represents better value and worst case scenario is a money back result.
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It may be fair to say that Portsmouth’s home form has been nothing to shout about with only three victories but it’s a problem that Harry Redknapp is keen to address and this is the perfect opportunity to do so. Also bear in mind that they have faced all the top sides already (at home) When Benjani was sold to Man City I wondered what Redknapp was up to but the arrival of Defoe from Tottenham looks like being a cracking bit of business. Defoe fitted into the team effortlessly on his debut scoring once and could have had a few more also. In that game against Chelsea they looked more than comfortable and could have taken the three points if not for some good saves by Cech and some wayward shooting.
Sunderland are out of the relegation zone for now but as mentioned before have a quite shocking away record. With 7 wins at home it fair to say that their best work comes at the stadium of light and Roy Keane will be determined to get something out of this trip. However with just 2 goals from their last 7 outings on the road it going to take a big big effort and I for one cant see them taking anything from this. They beat Pompey 2 – 0 at home just over a month ago but much has changed since and Portsmouth have a much stronger squad to chose from now.
Verdict
Revenge will be on the minds of Portsmouth and I fully expect them to take three points here and with a bit to spare. I like both teams and I would like to see Sunderland stay up but for now I hope Portsmouth take the three points here and push further towards that place in Europe for next season.
Pompey are 1.7 for the win which looks good but I think that taking them –1 goal on the Asian handicap which is priced at 2.21 @ mansion represents better value and worst case scenario is a money back result.
A 2 – 0 home win is the call.