English FA CUP
2012-11-03 - Portsmouth vs Notts County
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: English FA Cup First Round
Saturday 3 November 2012 - Kick Off 3pm
Portsmouth
Everyone who even has the slightest interest in football would likely be aware of the financial problems the 2008 FA Cup winners Portsmouth have had in the last few seasons. It seems like there is a light at the end of what has been a long tunnel, but any kind of Cup run would be well appreciated for the club's coffers as they move away from trying to secure League One safety for this game.
They have lost back to back League games coming into this FA Cup tie, but both of those games were away from home and Portsmouth have definitely been a tougher test at Fratton Park in recent weeks. Pompey have won 3 of their last 4 home games, including back to back wins ahead of this one.
Since winning the Cup in 2008, Portsmouth have also reached the Final of the competition in 2010 before falling short against Chelsea. However, the romance of the Cup has been missing since 2010 as they have suffered third round exits in both seasons (their first game having been in the top two tiers of English football). Portsmouth have won their last 2 home FA Cup ties and they have only lost 1 of their last 7 FA Cup games here.
Darel Russell is out while Ashley Harris a doubt. Portsmouth also have a number of loan players in the squad, although manager Michael Appleton has admitted he is unlikely to be given permission to play any of them.
Notts County
The romance of the FA Cup is clearly not dead for some of the lower League sides who hold on to the fact that they are only 2 wins away from perhaps drawing the likes of Manchester United or Liverpool in the third round. The same is true for Notts County despite them being more than in contention for a possible promotion spot after a decent start to life in League One.
It hasn't been the best of times for Notts County as they have won just 1 of their last 4 games in all competitions, while they have been guilty of wasting a 2 goal lead against Bournemouth in a game they eventually drew. However, most of County's poor results have come at home and they are now unbeaten in 15 straight away games in all competitions, winning 2 in a row ahead of this one.
It is easy to understand why Notts County enjoy this competition as they have reached the fourth round twice and the fifth round in the last 3 seasons, including providing some surprise results with away wins at Wigan Athletic and Sunderland and holding Manchester City to a draw at the County Ground. County have won 5 of their last 8 away FA Cup ties, although beaten at Stevenage last season in the fourth round.
Dean Leacock is back in contention for selection and Damion Stewart is available having been recently signed.
Head to Head
Notts County beat Portsmouth 3-0 at home earlier this season, but this will be their first visit to Fratton Park since August 1994.
Portsmouth are unbeaten in their last 5 home games against Notts County including a 2-1 win in that last meeting here.
Prediction
This looks like a game that will provide the fans with some goals as both sides will not sit back and will want to book their place in the second round without the need for a replay.
Notts County have scored in every away game they have played so far this season, while they have managed at least 2 goals in 6 of their last 8 away games.
During that run, County have kept just 2 clean sheets so Portsmouth, who have won 3 in 4 at home, will fancy their chances of extending their run to 8 consecutive games with at least 1 goal scored.
6 of the last 7 games at Fratton Park this season have also featured at least 3 goals so the 1.92 on over 2.5 goals being offered looks generous.
The Pick :
Portsmouth 2-2 Notts County
