Portsmouth v Liverpool Premier League preview

After a late defeat at Chelsea on Wednesday, Portsmouth look to pick up some points against a Liverpool side lacking morale.

Portsmouth

With some of their replacements performing well on Wednesday night, Avram Grant is getting a better idea of who is better players are at Portsmouth. Frederic Piquionne, who was wasteful at the beginning of the season coolly finished off a twice deflected Jamie O’Hara free kick. O’Hara himself has been one of their better players or Portsmouth this season, along with Kevin Prince Boateng in midfield. Aaron Mokoena protects the back four well and could be called into action again this weekend to keep Steven Gerrard quiet. Grant has picked up 4 points from 4 games since he took over with both defeats coming against the top 2. His side won 2-0 here in his only home game as Portsmouth manager and he must be fancying he chances with Liverpool’s performances this season. The return of Younes Kaboul adds additional physicality to the side but they need to be wary of the skill from Fernando Torres whom may be too quick for their defence. Going forward they lack a goalscorer. Dindane has shown glimpses of being one but spent most of his early career in England looking poor. Kanu isn’t a regular scorer, Piquionne is yet to prove himself as one and Danny Webber hasn’t scored in 6 sub appearances. Boateng has 3 goals from midfield but may find little success if Rafael Benitez sticks with his usual holding midfield partnership of Javier Mascherano and Lucas.

Form
LLWDL

Injuries/Suspensions
n/a

Liverpool

Wednesday night’s 2-1 victory over Wigan must have boosted confidence amongst the side as they climbed to 6th in the table. David N’Gog headed in his 4th goal of the campaign before Fernando Torres came off the bench to add a second. While they’ve looked poor all season, they’re capable of stepping up and putting a few victories together. That said, an early kickoff at Portsmouth isn’t going to be an easy trip, regardless of the position the home side are in. Fernando Torres looks far from full fitness but is still likely to play under Rafael Benitez. Alberto Aquilani only got a 10 minute run out against Wigan so must be really lacking in fitness. Benitez has a few other good attacking options available in Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt and Yossi Benayoun to break down a poor Portsmouth defence. But they need to play well and that’s something they’ve been lacking this season. Glen Johnson is a doubt to play against his former club.

Form
DWDLW

Injuries/Suspensions
n/a

It’s a hard one to pick and I’ll be leaving it alone this weekend (unless the game becomes predictable when watching and then we can bring in-play betting into it). I favour home teams in the early kickoffs. Liverpool haven’t reached their full potential this season but their victory midweek could help them on their way. While Portsmouth are desperate for points and put in a spirited performance against Chelsea.

Portsmouth to win 11/2

Draw 3/1

Liverpool to win 8/13