English League One
2013-01-26 - Portsmouth vs Hartlepool United
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: English League One
Saturday 26 January 2013 - Kick Off 3pm
Portsmouth
It continues to be a sad time for all fans of Portsmouth and that does not seem to be coming to an end. It is funny to think that only 3 seasons ago, Portsmouth were winning the FA Cup, yet on Fourth Round weekend, they are fighting for a chance to stay in the third tier of English League football.
This is an important game for Portsmouth who continue to have a large turnover in players. The side are currently 23rd in the League One table and face the only team that is below them in the table, while Portsmouth are currently 4 points from safety. They have a 3-2-8 record at Fratton Park this season, scoring 14 goals and conceding 17 in those games.
Portsmouth have failed to win any of their last 14 games in all competitions, while confidence has taken a big knock with 4 straight defeats in the League. They have had a tough time at home where they have now lost 6 of their previous 7 games in all competitions and haven't won a game since the middle of October.
Hartlepool United
While Portsmouth are still fighting for their future in this Division, most Hartlepool United fans must already accept that they will be playing League Two next season. The management and staff will still believe they can keep Hartlepool in League One for next season, but that will take a monumental effort, one far exceeding what they have produced so far this season.
The side have only earned 13 points from the 81 that were available to them since August and they find themselves 12 points from safety. They have a 1-4-9 away record in the League, scoring 11 goals and conceding 27 in those games.
Hartlepool will at least point to the fact that they are showing some signs of life with 4 points from their last 4 games, but it does all seem too little too late. All of those points have come from their last 2 away games at Sheffield United and Shrewsbury Town and Hartlepool have lost just 2 of their last 5 on their travels.
Head to Head
Portsmouth and Hartlepool United have not met since the 1979/80 season when Portsmouth beat them 2-1 at home.
That was only the second time they have met at Portsmouth, and the home team has won both previous meetings.
Prediction
It is the high turnover of players that makes Hartlepool United the favourites to beat Portsmouth in this game and it is hard to disagree considering we just don't know how the home side will react.
Both teams can point to porous defences being the reason for their troubles this season and that could be more of the same on Saturday. At 2.00, there is every chance we are going to see goals as both sides will feel this game offers plenty of chances to pick up three vital points.
The Pick :
Portsmouth 1-2 Hartlepool United
BEST BETTING TIP :
I'll back Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.00
