English FA CUP
2012-11-03 - Portsmouth vs Notts County
A Sports Betting Pick by Lamps
Football : England : FA Cup
Saturday 3rd November - Kickoff 3:00pm
Portsmouth
This all League One clash looks one of the ties of the round. Portsmouth are down in 15th place in table with a cushion of 4 points to the relegation zone. This game will be a nice relief as they can focus on the cup this weekend.
Appleton's side have lost their last 2 games having won 2 straight before that. Interestingly Portsmouth have drawn just 1 game all season and their attacking nature means we should get a winner in this game after the 90 minutes to.
At Fratton Park the hosts have won their last 2 beating Crewe (2-0) and Shrewsbury (3-1). In front of their own fans I expect Portsmouth to be a tough side to beat and they certainly look a live underdog this weekend.
The hosts have scored in 7 straight games at home but have just 1 clean sheet here. Appleton's side have scored 2 or more in 3 of their last 4 games and you would think if they are going to win this tie they need 2 or more.
Notts County
County are faring much better than the hosts up in 6th and they look good enough to remain in the top 6 for the remainder of the season. I think they will approach this game with a relaxed attitude and we should see an open game of football.
Curle has been excellent since taking charge but his side come here on the back of a home defeat to Doncaster (0-2). They were 2 unbeaten before that game and County have only lost back to back games once this season. Curle will want to ensure his side returns to league action on the back of a confidence boosting win.
Away from home County are excellent, unbeaten all season which is a run of 8 games. Of their 8 games, 5 have been victories including the last 2 at Carlisle (0-4) and Coventry (1-2).
County have scored in all their away games and average 1.75 goals on the road which is excellent. In 6 of these games they have scored 2 or more and if they keep that up at the weekend a place in the next round beckons.
Betting Verdict
Looking at the fixed market I think the away price is very good given their excellent away form but I can't back this given the hosts have won their last 2 at home. However, they are on a losing run of 2 away losses so maybe it's a good spot to take on Portsmouth as confidence may be low.
I like goals here, the visitors average 2 on the road but have just 1 away clean sheet in the last 6. Portsmouth have 1 clean sheet at home all season but have found their scoring boots, netting 5 in their last 2 at home.
This is a cup game of which neither side wants a replay. Both managers play the game in the right way and as a result I expect a winner but not with either keeping the other out. If pushed County looks the pick but overs is the play here.
Good Luck
The Pick :
Portsmouth 1-2 County
