The Battle for Europe moves on, last year this fixture just about clinched Evertons Euro spot, the 3-0 defeat left Pompey needing to beat Arsenal, Mr.Poll did the rest.
Vital Quotes:
Everton are the form team to beat at the moment, Man City suffered at their hands Monday evening, Yobo, Lescott and all have formed a solid defence to breach, Yakubu is doing the rest upfront.
On the Fratton front it is a similar story, although not playing particularly well, our defence is standing firm and we a pinching goals to nick wins right now.
Everton Team News:
The midfield duo of Fernandes and Arteta look doubtful, but Carsley looks back to the form he had a couple of years ago with Gravesen.
Old boy Yakubu is on course for his most prolific season so far, he regularly passes 15 in a season and looks like breaking the 20 barrier this time.
Player to watch: Yakubu
Old boys like to score against old clubs, Yak has done this before, but maybe, just maybe one of his droughts is due?
Pompey Team News:
Upfront is where the guess work begins, the smart money is on Defoe and Kanu to start, Baros although willing, hasn’t looked like breaking his duck just yet, and when Kanu came on last week he really turned the game, Defoe started playing and we at last looked a threat. Utaka is another attacking option with Redknapp talking of him as a striker rather than a wide man now.
Nugent remains sidelined, now Mendes’ stop start season has ground to halt once more with a foot op.
Player to watch: Kanu
Footballing genius or knackered old man, the jury is split in some quarters, but he scares the life out of defnders and still possesses a unique ability to do the impossible.
Match Facts & Stats
3-0 last year was followed by one of the countless 0-0 draws at Fratton this year, 2 tight defences once more, where is your money hedged?
Match Prediction:
Place your bets in the prdiction section in the forums
Next Fixtures:
The small matter of Man U in the quarter finals of the F.A cup