ENGLISH PREMIER BETTING PICK - PORTSMOUTH V STOKE

English Premier

2010-02-20 - Portsmouth vs Stoke

A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser

Analysis:

Portsmouth are at the bottom of the Premiership table and needs to win this match if they hope to avoid relegation. They faces a tough test in the visit of Stoke City who is currently on form at Fratton Park.

Portsmouth who are cash strapped have asked permission from the FA to sell players out of the transfer window , are also facing a winding up order by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs and are eight points adrift of safety at the foot of the Premier League table.

Portsmouth couldn't asked for a more difficult opponent as Stoke will travel to the South Coast unbeaten in nine games in all competitions. Tony Pulis' men have slowly moved up the table in recent weeks, however they have struggled away from home. They have scored just once in their last five away games in the Premiership.

History is also in Pompey's favour as they have won their last five matches at home to Stoke in all competitions.

As for the team news, newly signed Dusko Tosic could again be named as a substitute for Portsmouth after completing his move from Werder Bremen last week. The Serbia international was an unused sub against Southampton, but could feature against Stoke after improving his match fitness.

He could be joined on the bench by FA Cup hero Quincy Owusu-Abeyie, who is set to miss out on a place in the starting XI despite scoring a double against the Saints.

As for the visitors, full-back Danny Higginbotham is doubtful for the game after a back spasm. Higginbotham suffered discomfort during the 1-1 draw with Manchester City in midweek and was taken out for the second half.

Abdoulaye Faye is sidelined through suspension after being red carded in that match while Matthew Etherington remains out with a knee injury.

Take Portsmouth for a rare home win here.

Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser

The Statistics :

The Pick :

BEST BETTING TIP :

Take Portsmouth to win here.