Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez will be hoping his Liverpool renaisance can continue, while Portsmouth will continue what looks to be an impossible battle to stay in the Premierleague.
Liverpool have finally started to show some form this season and now find themselves just a point behind Manchester City in 6th place. They really have some work to do to reach that crucial fourth placed spot in order to gain champions league football, but it’s only in recent weeks that the have looked like being able to put a run of results together. A lot is down to the returning form and fitness of Steven Gerrard and Fernndo Torres. Any team stripped of its two prize assets will struggle, and Liverpool are no different. However, now they have both players back with a few games under their belts, I wouldn’t be on the two layers hitting top gear and firing the reds to an improbable fourth place finish this season.
Portsmouth manager Avram Grant must wonder why he ever took the job on after the team lurches from one disaster to another. With the club in administration, a ten point penalty seems inevitable, and that would reduce their already lowly total of 19, to a shameful 9 points. Retaining top flight status is now bordering on impossible so it is all about pride now for the Pompey players. Injuries are few and far between and the only regular first teamer certain to miss out is Boateng, so at least Grant has a near full squad to pick from.
I don’t think there will be too many surprises here and I fully expect Liverpool to control the game and come away with a comfortable victory
Verdict: Liverpool Home Win
Odds: 2/9
Bookmaker: Sporting Bet
