PORTSMOUTH v EVERTON - SOUTH COAST STALEMATE?
Two sides brimming with confidence clash at Fratton Park this weekend. Harry Redknapp’s Pompey are on a nine-match unbeaten run whilst David Moyes’ Everton are fresh from a 7-1 thrashing of Sunderland last weekend.
Everton have an excellent record at Fratton Park, winning on three of their last four visits. However, the Toffees lost 2-0 there last season.
There has never been a draw between the sides in the history of the Premier League but it looks probable in this case. Pompey have not lost at home this season but only won twice. They have drawn 3 of their last 4 home games. Everton don’t tend to draw away. In fact their only draw was at Stamford Bridge in their last away match. However, Portsmouth have drawn against sides of similar standing to the Toffees such as Liverpool, West Ham and Man City this season.
Harry’s side boast a defensive record of 7 clean-sheets in the last 9 matches whilst Everton have scored in their last seven games. Therefore David James could be busy with Portsmouth old boy Yakubu bang on form with 4 goals in as many appearances and Tim Cahill with 3 goals in his last 2 appearances. The Toffees have no new injury worries, so apart from Alan Stubbs they are at full strength.
Whether the arrest of Harry Redknapp in midweek will affect proceedings is difficult to judge though don’t go placing any bets on him getting the England managers job in the near future. The strongest pick on Premier 10 would be the draw but such is the form of the sides that it may well be worth covering yourself this week with the home win as this is undoubtedly the most difficult match to predict this weekend.
TOP TIP: All square on the south coast (draw)
Tags: 01/12/07, Everton, Portsmouth
