ENGLISH PREMIER BETTING PICK - TOTTENHAM V PORTSMOUTH

English Premier

2010-03-27 - Tottenham vs Portsmouth

A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser

Analysis:

Tottenham will aim to finish in the top four, and for Harry Redknapp it will be a chance to face his former club here in the pursuit for European football next season.

Portsmouth are not the same side since Redknapp left Fratton Park for North London in 2008. The visitors are all but certain to be relegated already this season. Pompey are currently rock-bottom with 13 points following their nine-point penalty for entering administration.

Tottenham are fighting for a UEFA Champions League spot under Redknapp come end of the season. They currently occupy fourth spot and go into the weekend two points ahead of Manchester City. And after the beating by Chelsea in midweek when Portsmouth lost 5-0, Tottenham are favourites for this match.

Tottenham beat Fulham 3-1 in midweek and had to come from behind to book their place in the semifinals of the FA Cup. These two sides could still meet in the FA Cup and this could be a dress rehearsal for the Wembley tie on 11th April.

Interestingly, it was Redknapp who led Portsmouth to a remarkable FA Cup triumph two years ago, but has since taken many players to the capital as Pompey's financial problems worsened. So Pompey is not the same side as before anymore.

It is interesting to note that the likes of Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe, Niko Kranjcar and Younes Kaboul all played under their current manager on the South Coast, while Jamie O'Hara is currently on loan there from Tottenham.

As for the team news, O'Hara will not feature for Portsmouth due to a clause in his contract. Pompey will give a late check to former Spurs defender Ricardo Rocha, who suffered a cheekbone injury against Chelsea. Tommy Smith also suffered a facial injury against the Blues, breaking his nose following a challenge from Daniel Sturridge.

The visitors are already without the likes of Nadir Belhadj, Papa Bouba Diop, John Utaka, Hassan Yebda, Kevin-Prince Boateng and Tal Ben Haim in the treatment room.

Spurs also have injury problems going in to this match. Jermain Defoe is rated at 50/50 to play against his former club following a hamstring injury, mwhich means that Peter Crouch could continue to partner Eider Gudjohnsen upfront.

Younes Kaboul was cup-tied in midweek and he returns to the side. The likes of Vedran Corluka and Sebastien Bassong are both carrying ankle knocks and are rated doubtful.

Meanwhile defender Ledley King is still sidelined for this match. When these two sides met earlier this season Tottenham won 2-1 at Fratton Park but that match was best remembered by the sen ding off of Jermain Defoe for a stamp on Aaron Mokoena.

Take Tottenham and give the handicap here.

Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser

The Pick :

BEST BETTING TIP :

Take Tottenham to win here.